Soft Tissues Injuries in the Mouth Port Macquarie
Dental First-Aid For Mouth Injuries – What to Do
Your gums and lips are part of your mouth’s soft tissues, which include a large number of blood vessels. The blood vessels are why, when an injury happens in these specific areas, they bleed easily.
Aside from the teeth, your mouth is also home to your soft tissues – gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips. They are composed of several blood vessels; hence, when injured, they bleed easily and heavily.
Soft tissue injuries such as cuts, punctures, bruises, and lacerations are the result of biting down on something hard, vehicular accidents, contact sports, and burns from eating or drinking something very hot.
Common Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries in the Mouth
- Accidentally biting your lip
- Something hitting your mouth area
- Chewing hard foods
- Contact during sports
- Drinking too hot drinks
- Vehicular accidents
Common Injuries to the Soft Tissue in the Mouth
- Punctures
- Lacerations
- Cuts
- Bruises
Soft Tissue Injuries: What to do?
Soft tissues injuries in the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and cheek lining may take place with or without damage to the teeth. To give first aid, ask the patient to rinse their mouth with dilute saltwater.
If foreign materials are present, try to remove them by hand, or by swishing vigorously with diluted saltwater.
The mouth may seem quite bloody after the injury, but that appearance often results from blood mixing with saliva. If there is an open wound, bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure on the site with damp gauze or wet tea bag.
If bleeding can’t be stopped with 10 or 15 minutes, or if there is severe pain or disorientation, go to an emergency room at once.
Otherwise, you should schedule an appointment to see a dentist within 6 hours of injury.
Soft Tissues Injuries in the Mouth in Port Macquarie
If you have a soft tissue injury in your mouth, contact your Port Macquarie dentist immediately so we can treat the problem right away and prevent further damage or infection.
Visit us now and let your Port Macquarie dentist handle your dental problems.
Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Port Macquarie
Call us on (02) 6105 9853
or book your appointment online.
We are located at 38 Buller St in Port Macquarie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the soft tissues in the mouth?
The soft tissues in the mouth, including tongue, cheeks, gums and lips are delicate and sensitive, and when injured, can be very painful. Soft tissues can be injured when you unknowingly bite down on them, if you fall, are in an accident, or if you eat something that is too hot or too hard.
I have an injury in my mouth, how soon should I see a dentist?
How are soft tissue injuries treated?
Your Port Macquarie dentist will clean the area thoroughly and determine whether the teeth are loosened or damaged. If the teeth are not damaged, and the injury is limited to the gum or other soft tissues, you may need some stitches to close the wound and control the bleeding. In most cases, stitches are not necessary, and your dentist will only need to wash the area and remove any dirt or debris.
What are the causes of inflammation inside the mouth?
How do you heal the inside of your mouth?
- After eating, rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater. Saltwater rinses may help heal the injury.
- Have a soft diet.
- Avoid salty or spicy foods, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes. These can irritate the affected area and may worsen the injury.
- Apply a topical medicine, such as Orabase, to reduce mouth pain.