A cut inside the mouth might be small and out of sight, but it is the type of wound that will make you feel its presence every time you grab a bite. Cuts can happen for various reasons. You might accidentally cut your own cheeks or bite into something like a sharp potato chip. This is especially true for Georgia, where people have a diverse food palate.
Thankfully, since these cuts are so common, they are easy to treat using home remedies and OTC medications. If your cuts are not getting better, see a Lawrenceville, GA dentist today.
Tips to treat cuts in your mouth.
After a mouth or tongue injury, it is important to stay calm and take action immediately to prevent further blood loss. These tips will help you heal any cut you may have made by accident.
- Rinse your mouth: Rinse your mouth with salt and warm water immediately after getting a cut. The salt will wash away the bacteria and other microbes, while the warm water will soothe the wound. This natural antiseptic can promote quick healing by stopping the spread of bacteria and viruses in your mouth. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash as it can cause irritation to your wound and make the healing process more lengthy.
- Apply pressure on the wound: To prevent further bleeding or blood loss, put direct pressure on your wound. You can also do this with the help of a cloth. Make sure the cloth is clean and tidy to prevent bacterial infection. Do this for about 10-15 stops until the bleeding stops completely. Seek medical help immediately if the bleeding does not stop.
- Cold compress: To reduce the pain and swelling, you can apply an ice pack or cold compress on the wound. The cold temperature restricts the blood vessels, stops immediate bleeding, and helps reduce swelling. Always wrap the ice in a cloth and prevent its direct contact with the skin to avoid frostbite.
- Contact medical help: If the bleeding does not stop despite applying pressure on the wound, seek medical help immediately. The wound may need to be sutured and antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. Also, if you experience swelling, pain, dizziness, etc, call the doctor as soon as possible.
When should you call a doctor to treat mouth cuts?
The cut may be scarier than it seems. Look for these signs, and if any of them are true, call your doctor immediately.
- The cut on your inner lip is deep
- Bleeding does not stop even after applying pressure
- The cut in the lip is a puncture or hole
- The cut extends from your mouth to the face
If you have suffered a mouth injury, follow the above-mentioned steps to curb immediate bleeding. However, if it does not stop, contact a dentist immediately!
