What Should I Do if the Inside of My Mouth is Injured?

Mouth injuries can be terrifying. Whether it's a sharp pain from biting your tongue, a burn from hot food, or a sudden cut from dental work, these injuries can feel incredibly alarming. The inside of our mouths is delicate and prone to damage, making even minor injuries seem overwhelming. 

However, what starts as a minor injury can quickly escalate into a severe dental issue if not handled properly. Ignoring or improperly treating a mouth injury can lead to infections, prolonged pain, and even permanent damage.

But knowing "What should I do if the inside of my mouth is injured?" can help you minimize complications and ensure a swift recovery. 

Why Do Mouth Injuries Happen? 

Your lip, tongue, and the inside of your mouth are the areas that have the softest and thinnest skin on your body, making them susceptible to even minor bumps or scrapes. You might have experienced wounds from your teeth cutting the inside of your mouth or bruising your lips from accidentally biting down.

Seeing or feeling a wound in your mouth can be alarming because they tend to bleed more than cuts on other body parts. The skin in these areas is soft and delicate and close to blood vessels, which increases bleeding. This results in mouth injuries occurring when you are not careful. 

Common Types of Mouth Injuries 

Cuts & Lacerations

Sharp objects, such as food utensils, dental tools, or accidental bites, typically cause cuts and lacerations in the mouth. These injuries often occur on the lips, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. 

Biting Injuries 

Biting injuries happen when you accidentally bite your tongue, cheeks, or lips, often while eating or due to sudden movements. These injuries can be minor, causing tiny cuts or bruises, or more major, leading to significant swelling and bleeding. 

Injuries from Dental Appliances 

Dental appliances, such as braces, dentures, and retainers, can cause mouth injuries if they are ill-fitting or the wearer is not accustomed to them. Due to friction, braces can create sores and cuts on the inner cheeks and lips. Dentures that do not fit properly can rub against the gums, causing irritation and sores. 

Injuries from Accidental Trauma 

Accidental trauma can result in a variety of mouth injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe damage requiring immediate medical attention. Some accidental trauma mouth injuries include:

Bruises & Contusions: Blunt force trauma to the face can cause bruising and swelling in the mouth and surrounding areas. 

Fractured Teeth: Accidents can result in chipped, cracked, or completely broken teeth. Such injuries can be painful and may expose the tooth nerve. 

Dislodged Teeth: A severe impact can knock a tooth out of its socket, either partially or entirely. 

Soft Tissue Injuries: Trauma can harm the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and palate. These injuries are often painful and susceptible to infection.

Immediate First Aid Steps 

Stop the Bleeding 

Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth, gauze, or a tea bag. Hold it against the wound until the bleeding slows down or stops.

Rinse the Mouth 

Use warm salt water to gently rinse your mouth. This helps to clean the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid mouthwash or other antiseptic solutions, as they can be too harsh and irritate the wound.

Control Swelling & Pain 

Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the injury. This helps reduce swelling and numb the area, providing pain relief.

Protect the Wound 

If the injury is on the lip or inside the cheek, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further irritation.

Monitor for Signs of Infection 

Watch out for signs of infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Help 

• If bleeding continues for more than 10-15 minutes despite applying pressure, or if the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable, seek immediate medical attention.
• A healthcare professional should evaluate deep cuts, particularly those that might require stitches. This includes deep or gaping cuts on the lips, tongue, gums, or inside of the cheeks.
• See a dentist as soon as possible if you experience a broken, chipped, or completely knocked-out tooth. 
• Seek professional help if you notice symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth around the injury, pus discharge, or a fever. 
• If the injury causes difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately. 
• If the pain from the injury is intense and not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, it's essential to get a professional evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• If braces, dentures, or other dental appliances are damaged or causing injury, see your dentist to repair or adjust them. 

Conclusion 

Mouth injuries can occur for several reasons, but knowing the answer to "What should I do if the inside of my mouth is injured?" can help minimize the risk of further dental issues. 

Practicing immediate first aid steps can help you manage your mouth injury until you can see your dentist. 

Contact Sunflower Dental Spa to learn more about what you should do if the inside of your mouth is injured. 

Schedule a consultation today. 

FAQs 

How long do mouth injuries take to heal?

Minor mouth injuries typically heal within 7 to 10 days, while more severe injuries may take several weeks and require professional treatment.

When are mouth injuries serious?

Mouth injuries are serious if they involve persistent bleeding, deep cuts, broken or knocked-out teeth, signs of infection, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.