MOUTH INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MOUTH INJURY

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:

  • Major bleeding that can't be stopped.
  • Difficulty breathing.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think your child has a serious injury.
  • Minor bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.  
  • Deep or gaping cut that may need stitches.
  • Cut through border of the lip where it meets the skin.
  • Severe pain.
  • Difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva.
  • Injury to the back of the throat, tonsil, or soft palate.  
  • Caused by a pencil or other long object placed in the mouth.  
  • Mouth looks infected (fever, spreading redness, increasing pain or swelling after 48 hours).
    (Note: Any healing wound in the mouth is normally white for several days.)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Mild mouth injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

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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