7 Most Common Mouth Injuries & How to Treat Them

Do you ever wonder if you have the knowledge to identify and treat some of the most common mouth injuries?

This is a threat to everyone as they can happen to anyone and having the knowledge to solve these problems could save a loved one's life.

In this article, the 7 most common mouth injuries such as cuts and lacerations, burns, chipped teeth, and more are explained. We also explain how to treat and prevent them as treatment is just as important as identification.

Injuries & Treatments

Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and Lacerations are very serious injuries and if not treated can cause serious injury or even death. It most commonly occurs from biting the inside of your mouth, sharp foods, or accidental trauma.

Treatment:

Treating cuts and lacerations in the mouth requires careful attention to minimize infection risk and promote healing. Firstly, wash your hands with warm water, and then apply a clean cloth to the cut to minimize bleeding.

If a potentially infectious object caused the cut, rinse the cut carefully with salt water. You can make salt water at home by mixing a warm glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If saltwater is not available clean fresh water also works.

Once bleeding slows and the clot has formed, apply a cold compress to limit swelling. You can also apply topical ointment to the affected area to help soothe the injury. If bleeding lasts over 10 minutes or there is severe blood loss, call 000 or get medical help.

Dislocated Jaw or TMJ Injuries

Injuries or strain to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be very painful and difficult in jaw movement. It has a variety of causes such as grinding teeth, jaw injuries, arthritis and even wear and tear from daily use.

Treatment:

We recommend calling 000 or visiting a health care provider to resolve dislocated jaw or TMJ injuries, as all cases are different and improper treatment can cause long-term damage.

In most cases, experts do not recommend relocating the jaw on your own because it may require surgery to fix it.

Instead, apply a cold compress and rest your jaw while you wait for medical attention.

Burns

Burns within the mouth can cause loss of taste and even limit the ability to ingest food and water through the mouth. They are most commonly caused by hot foods, drinks, or chemicals coming in contact with delicate tissues.

Treatment:

When treating burns within the mouth it is crucial to treat the injury with care. First, call 000 or seek medical attention.

Next, carefully rinse the mouth with cool water. Ensure the water is not too cold as extreme temperature changes can cause further damage. If available, apply topical ointment to the injury to promote healing.

Tooth Fractures

There are a variety of things that can cause tooth injuries although biting hard objects is the most common cause.

Treatment:

If the tooth is only fractured, rinse the mouth with warm water and carefully apply gauze or cloth to any bleeding.

Then, apply a cold compress for 10-15 mins to help limit any swelling. Finally, visit or call a dental professional as soon as possible for any further information.

Dental Abscesses

Is a concentrated infection that occurs in or around a tooth. Usually caused by bacteria entering the inside of a tooth, known as the pulp. The immune system responds to the infection by sending white blood cells to the tooth, resulting in a build-up of pus.

Treatment:

Firstly, if you suspect that you may have dental abscesses visit a dentist rather than trying to self-diagnose/resolve. This is because dental issues can be hard to diagnose without proper knowledge and they will give you an appropriate treatment.

You may be offered many types of treatments such as antibiotics, drainage, root canal, and even tooth extraction. The best way to prevent this is by maintaining healthy oral hygiene.

Canker Sores

Cankers are very common and around 1 of 5 people experience them on a regular basis. They're painful ulcers that appear inside the cheeks and gums and are caused by stress, injury, and sugary foods.

Treatment:

The best way to treat cankers is to rinse the mouth with warm salt water. You can make salt water at home by mixing 1/2 teaspoon with a warm cup of water.

Canker pain relief gel is also an option to relieve pain. Then, just make sure your oral hygiene is a focus to prevent future cankers.

Cheek Biting

Cheek biting is extremely common, most people experience it when eating but there are other causes. As explained, accidental biting of inner cheeks is common but misalignment or dental issues can also be a cause.

Treatment:

Make saltwater by mixing 1/2 teaspoon with a warm cup of water and use it to rinse the mouth. This will disinfect the area, you can then apply over-the-counter gels to the area of the bite for pain.

If some foods irritate the bite area, stick to soft and not spicy foods while the area heals.