How to Treat a Cut in Your Mouth

Cuts in the mouth can have many different causes, both internal (such as biting the cheek) and external (such as a dental procedure). While many cuts to the mouth require minimal treatment, others are serious and require urgent care. These include direct trauma to the face, deep lacerations in the inner cheek, gums or tongue, and associated dental trauma.

Minor injury

If you have a cut in your mouth, the first course of action is to stop the bleeding.

Light cut

If the cut is relatively light, Try rinsing your mouth with some ice water. This constricts some of the smaller blood vessels and can help reduce swelling and pain.

You can also apply cold compresses to the outside of your cheeks for the same effect. Some people even like to roll an ice cube in their mouth until the bleeding stops and the pain subsides.

Cut deeper

If the cut is a little deeper, you may need to apply pressure directly to the wound. Start by washing your hands with hot water and soap. You can then press a sterile gauze pad over the wound until the bleeding stops.

If you don’t have gauze, some dentists endorse the use of moistened tea bags;The tannins present in tea can act as a vasoconstrictor, effectively constricting blood vessels.

Relieve pain and prevent infection

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can provide short-term pain relief. Avoid aspirin, which can promote bleeding.

After the bleeding stops, get a tube of antibiotic cream specifically for mouth sores (such as Orajel). Some have a numbing agent that can help relieve pain. Avoid antibiotic creams that are not intended for use on the skin. Talk to your pharmacist if you are not sure.

To help wounds heal, some people turn to home remedies that have antiseptic or antibacterial properties. These include clove oil, which can be applied directly to the cut or a poultice-like poultice made of water and baking soda.

While healing

Avoid vigorous brushing or flossing around the affected area, as well as mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can sting. The same applies to foods that are acidic, spicy, crunchy, or too salty.

If you wear braces, get some orthodontic wax from the pharmacy and apply it to any brackets or wires near the cut. This will help prevent the wound from reoccurring.

Emergency situation

If you are unable to stop the bleeding or the wound is clearly serious, you need to seek appropriate medical attention. Deep lacerations and heavy bleeding should be treated in the nearest emergency room.

In the event of an emergency, immediate hemostasis will be the top priority. In some cases, sutures may be used. The stitches may dissolve on their own or will need to be removed after five days or so. Usually, you’ll be given oral antibiotics and mild pain relievers to help with your recovery.

If the tear is deep, your doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan to determine the nature and extent of the injury. If you receive a blood transfusion or have any signs of shock, you may be kept in the hospital overnight for observation.

If severe tooth damage also occurs, you will be referred to a dental surgeon for an appointment at a later date. Be sure to ask the hospital staff for an X-ray to take with you.

Tooth trauma

Very often, trauma to the tooth goes hand in hand with a severe cut inside the mouth. Some dental emergencies require immediate attention; Others are more aesthetically pleasing and can be handled in a day or so.

Chipped teeth

If a tooth is chipped, save the debris so you can bring them to the dentist as soon as possible. Follow the home care tips above if there is any bleeding.

Partially misaligned teeth

If the tooth is partially loose, focus on controlling the bleeding first. Then you should hurry to the dentist as soon as possible to seek treatment. This may involve splinting, socket repair, or tooth replacement.

Broken crown or bridge

If the crown has fallen out or the bridge is broken, see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, replace the crown if possible with some over-the-counter denture adhesive or dental cement. Do not use household glue.

Teeth Knocked Out

If the tooth is knocked out, hold the tooth with a crown (the part of the contact above the gum) and rinse the root if it is dirty. Do not scrub teeth or remove excess tissue.

If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket. If not, gently insert some gauze into the gap to stop the bleeding. Put the tooth in a milk carton, and rush to the dentist’s office.

Care after dental treatment

Depending on the procedure used, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) to aid recovery.

If sutures are used, you will be asked to avoid smoking, drinking, or sipping a straw while it heals. In addition to eating soft foods, you’ll need to follow strict instructions on how to care for your dressing after surgery.

Although sutures usually disappear on their own, you still need to see your dentist to assess how well the wound is healing.

A very good word

Even if you can stop bleeding from a mouth wound, you should still see your dentist if the deep cut or pain makes it difficult to eat or sleep. However, if you have a fever, chills, swelling, redness, swollen lymph nodes, or unusual discharge from the wound, see your dentist right away. You may have an infection that requires immediate care.