MOUTH INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD MOUTH INJURIES

  1. Stop Any Bleeding:
    • For bleeding of the inner lip or tissue that connects it to the gum, press the bleeding site against the teeth for 10 minutes.
    • Once bleeding from inside the lip stops, don't pull the lip out again to look at it (reason: the bleeding will start up again).
    • For bleeding from the tongue, squeeze or press the bleeding site with a sterile gauze or piece of clean cloth for 10 minutes.
  2. Local Cold:  Put a piece of ice or Popsicle on the area that was injured for 20 minutes.
  3. Pain Medicine:  If there is pain, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
  4. Soft Diet:  Offer a soft diet.  Avoid any salty or citrus foods that might sting. Rinse the wound with warm water immediately after meals.
  5. Expected Course:  Small cuts and scrapes inside the mouth heal up in 3 or 4 days. Infections of mouth injuries are rare.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pain becomes severe.
    • Area looks infected (mainly increasing pain or swelling after 48 hours).
    • Fever occurs.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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