Getting cut inside the mouth is more common than you might think. Chewing the inside of your cheeks, playing sports, and doing other daily activities might cause oral injuries. Since our oral cavity has many blood vessels, a cut might bleed a lot, even if it isn’t serious.
Steps to Take If You Have Been Cut in Your Mouth
The inside of your mouth is susceptible to cuts. So you might notice a big or small slash on your gums, roof of the mouth, or inside of the cheek. And this oral injury might bleed a lot! But you can follow these steps when you get a mouth cut:
- Thoroughly wash and clean your hands before dealing with the cut.
- Rinse your mouth with clean water to disinfect the cut.
- Remove all debris present in your mouth
- Gently press a clean towel to the cut, slowing down the bleeding. Gradually, the bleeding might stop.
- Suck on Popsicles or ice to reduce swelling and pain. Do not give ice to children as it risks choking.
- Refrain from applying creams.
- Keep checking the cut every day; visit your doctor if it doesn’t get better, or the pain gets worse.
Home Remedies for Mouth Cuts
You can reduce oral cuts by following home remedies. Some unassuming ingredients and products in your home might help deal with the cut.
Here are some tips to reduce the effects of oral cuts at home:
- Try saltwater rinses once a day, at least. Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of water and swirl it in your mouth.
- Avoid foods that might sting, like citrus or spicy food.
- Ask your dentist if you can take arnica supplements from places like drugstores to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Suck on a popsicle or ice. Or, try cold compress by holding ice from outside, near the affected area. It might help lessen swelling or numb pain.
What Are the Risk Factors?
A cut inside the mouth might be common, but it can lead to serious conditions. Some risk factors include:
- Viruses and bacteria can invade your body tissue and infect the cut.
- The exterior shape of your mouth might alter if the cut is on or near the lip.
When to See Your Oral Healthcare Provider
A cut inside the mouth usually heals on its own, but sometimes, you must check in with your dentist. For example, these situations would call for medical attention:
- Bleeding continues after 10 minutes
- The slash or cut is deep
- You got a cut due to puncture, rusty metal, or animal/human bite
- The cut has jagged edges, not straight
- There is debris inside the cut in your mouth that you can’t clear away
- You notice signs of infection like discoloration, redness, and draining fluid. In addition, it might be warm to the touch.
Your oral healthcare provider might opt for any of these treatment options:
- Stitches
- Antibiotics
- Tetanus shot
What Should I Do?
If you notice a cut inside your mouth, try cleaning it and reducing any pain or swelling. Check-in with a dentist or oral surgeon if the symptoms increase. Our Hermosa Dental experts can help you with your oral health. Contact us today at:
● E. Little York: (713) 695-3400
● Highway 6: (832) 427-1797
● Porter: (281) 747-7004
● Tomball: (832) 328-5651