How to Care for a Tooth or Mouth Injury

Summer is here. Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, it is time for fun outdoor activities, such as water sports, biking, or playing at the park. However, some of these activities can increase the chances of oral injuries.

Teeth and mouth injuries can happen to almost anyone and anywhere. Even when families do their best to keep themselves and their children safe from accidents, oral injuries can occur. There are many types of oral injuries, such as a chipped or knocked-out tooth or a cut on the lip, tongue, or inside of the mouth. Most injuries happen from falls, accidents, or are sports-related.

Oral injuries can range from mild to serious. No matter how serious the injury, it is best to follow up with your dentist, as some serious oral injuries can have long-term effects well after the injury initially heals. Below are steps you can take to care for minor oral injuries and when to seek immediate medical care.

How to care for minor oral injuries

According to Delta Dental, here are tips on handling minor oral injuries, caring for a soft tissue injury, and initial steps for a chipped or cracked adult tooth. If an oral injury occurs, try to stay calm and call your dentist as soon as possible.

How to care for a soft tissue injury

If the tongue, lips, or cheeks are bitten, cut, or punctured, there may be bleeding.

Wash your hands thoroughly.
To stop the bleeding, apply firm pressure to the injured area with gauze or a clean cloth.
If the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or there is severe pain, contact your dental provider.
If there is no bleeding, soak a piece of gauze or a clean cloth in warm water and gently clean the affected area. Apply an ice compress if necessary to reduce swelling.

Initial steps for a chipped or fractured adult tooth

If the piece is kept in good shape, it may be possible to reattach it.

Try to find the missing piece and place it in a moist cloth or baggie with a few drops of water or saliva.
Rinse the mouth with warm water and call your dentist right away and ask for an emergency visit.

Initial steps for a loosened adult tooth

If a tooth is pushed inward or outward, use the tip of your finger to gently push it back into its socket. Do not force the tooth into the socket.
Contact your dental provider as soon as possible.
On the way to the dental office, hold the tooth in its place with a moist tissue or gauze.

How to handle a tooth that is knocked out

If a tooth is knocked out completely, call your dentist immediately to schedule a visit. Receiving prompt care is vital to reimplanting the tooth.

Bite down on a sterile gauze to stop the bleeding.
Hold the injured tooth by the crown, the part above the gumline and place it in a cup of milk or your own saliva. Do not place it in tap water.

When to seek immediate medical care for an oral injury

Your dentist can treat most minor oral injuries in the dental office. If you have one of the signs below from an oral injury, you need to go directly to the emergency room.

Bleeding that will not stop.
Pain that does not get better with over-the-counter medicine.
Or a serious injury, such as a deep cut or a fractured jawbone.

How to prevent oral injuries

Our permanent or adult teeth are the last pair we will have. Some injuries to the teeth or gums can become serious. They can affect your speech, health, and appearance. Here are steps you can take to reduce oral injuries.

Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy. These can crack a tooth.
NEVER use your teeth to open items or cut things, use scissors.
Supervise small children. Do not allow them to walk or run while holding an object in his or her mouth.
Use a mouth guard when playing in contact sports, such as football, hockey, and basketball.
Use protective gear such as a multisport helmet.