Injured Lip and/or Gums

Trauma to the lips, tongue, and inside of the mouth is quite common. The soft flesh of the lips and their exposed location make them vulnerable to injury. Any cut inside the mouth usually bleeds heavily because of the rich supply of blood to the area.

Many lip and tongue injuries occur during sport related activities. They often can be prevented through the use of a mouth guard. We can create a professional, custom fit mouth guard for you. Contact our office for more information.

At home, you can clean injured outer skin surfaces, with mild soapy water and a soft, clean cloth. To clean cuts inside of the mouth, rinse with salt water or a hydrogen peroxide solution (one-part hydrogen peroxide and one-part water). Be sure not to swallow this peroxide rinse. However, do not be concerned if it foams. This is what the rinse normally does when it contacts mouth tissue.

If your lip is swollen or bruised, apply a cold compress. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth for at least 5 minutes. Using ice can help limit swelling, bleeding and discomfort. Wrap crushed ice in clean gauze or a clean piece of cloth and hold it on the affected area.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

• Bleeding cannot be controlled with pressure and a cold compress
• You have a deep cut
• A cut, crosses the border between the lip and facial skin
• The lip is punctured
• An infection develops after an injury
• Swelling of the neck or floor of mouth occurs