A cut inside the mouth is common. These injuries can happen from biting your cheek or tongue, or from minor trauma. Proper care for a mouth cut is important to encourage healing and prevent complications. The mouth has a rich blood supply, so even small cuts can bleed significantly.
Immediate Care for a Mouth Cut
For a mouth cut, first assess the injury and control bleeding. Wash your hands to prevent introducing bacteria. Gently rinse your mouth with cool water to clean the area and remove any debris. If the cut is on the lips or outside the mouth, wash it with soap and water once bleeding has stopped, but avoid scrubbing.
To stop bleeding, apply gentle, firm pressure directly to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze for 5 to 10 minutes. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, place a new one on top without removing the original. Sucking on an ice pop or ice cube can also help reduce bleeding and swelling by constricting blood vessels. Avoid spitting, using tobacco, or drinking through a straw, as these actions can dislodge clots and worsen bleeding.
Promoting Healing and Preventing Complications
After initial first aid, ongoing care focuses on maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding irritants to promote healing and prevent infection. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day is beneficial. Salt acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to reduce bacteria and inflammation while promoting healing. Mix about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, swish for 20-30 seconds, and then spit it out.
Modify your diet. Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods, as these can irritate the wound and cause pain. Crunchy or hard foods, like chips, nuts, or tough meats, should also be avoided as they can damage healing tissue. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods, like mashed potatoes, soft pasta, or well-cooked vegetables.
Refrain from touching the wound with your tongue or fingers, as this can introduce bacteria and slow the healing process. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage discomfort if needed.
When Professional Medical Attention is Needed
While many mouth cuts heal on their own, some signs require professional medical evaluation. Seek immediate care if bleeding persists despite 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure, especially if it is excessive or heavy. A healthcare professional should also assess cuts that appear deep, are larger than half an inch, or have jagged edges.
Signs of infection warrant prompt medical attention, including increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness around the cut, or the presence of pus. Difficulty speaking or swallowing, or if the cut was caused by a dirty or rusty object, or an animal or human bite, also require professional help. Cuts that go completely through the lip or involve the border of the lip often require stitches to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring.