Cuts on the side of the mouth are common, often from everyday activities like eating, talking, or minor accidents. The mouth’s frequent movement and exposure make it susceptible. While many are minor, proper care is important for effective healing and to prevent complications. Addressing these wounds promptly can significantly aid recovery.
Immediate Care for a Fresh Cut
Immediate action after a cut can reduce damage and promote healing. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent bacteria. For a cut on the outside of the mouth, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, avoiding scrubbing. If the cut is inside the mouth, rinse it well with cool water to remove any particles.
To stop bleeding, apply gentle, sustained pressure directly to the cut with a clean cloth or gauze for 5 to 10 minutes without interruption. If the cloth becomes saturated, place a new one over the old. Applying a clean, cool compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes can also help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels, aiding in bleeding control and discomfort.
Ongoing Care and Promoting Healing
Consistent care is important for healing and preventing infection. After meals, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water). This acts as a natural antiseptic, reducing bacteria and supporting healing. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as these can irritate the wound and delay healing.
Keeping the area moisturized is beneficial for external cuts. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly prevents the skin from drying and cracking, which supports new cell growth and reduces scarring. A moist wound environment allows skin cells to migrate effectively, helping the wound close faster.
Avoid actions that hinder healing. Picking at a scab reopens the wound, increasing the risk of infection and scarring. Scabs serve as a protective barrier, allowing new skin to form underneath. Excessive licking of the lips can dry out the skin around the cut and potentially introduce bacteria, slowing down recovery.
Consuming acidic or spicy foods can irritate the wound, causing pain and delaying healing. Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and hot sauces contain acids that can break down healing tissue. Hard or crunchy foods, such as nuts or chips, can also scrape and damage the delicate healing tissue. To support healing, choose a soft, bland diet and ensure good hydration by drinking plenty of water.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Help
While many cuts on the side of the mouth heal with home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. Seek immediate care if bleeding persists despite applying direct pressure for 5 to 10 minutes, especially if the bleeding is profuse or prevents you from seeing the wound. A cut that is deep, longer than half an inch, or has ragged, separated edges may require stitches.
Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, foul odor, pus or discharge, spreading tenderness, red streaks leading from the cut, or a fever. Medical attention is also advised if the cut was caused by a dirty or rusty object, an animal or human bite, or if debris is embedded in the wound. If the cut shows no signs of healing after several days or causes severe, persistent pain, consulting a healthcare professional is important.
Strategies to Prevent Recurrence
To prevent future mouth cuts, maintaining overall lip health is important. Regular use of lip balm can keep lips moisturized and prevent chapping, which can lead to small cracks susceptible to injury. Being mindful of habits like accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or lip while eating or talking can also reduce the risk of injury.
Avoiding nervous habits such as picking at the skin around the mouth can prevent irritation and small wounds. In some cases, recurring cracks at the corners of the mouth may be linked to a condition called angular cheilitis. This condition often arises from saliva pooling at the mouth’s corners, leading to dryness, cracking, and potential bacterial or fungal growth. Ensuring dentures fit correctly, avoiding excessive lip licking, and addressing nutritional deficiencies, such as low B vitamins or iron, can help prevent angular cheilitis. For athletes or individuals who grind their teeth, using a mouthguard can provide protection against injuries.