Dental Soft Tissue Injury San Diego . Rancho Bernardo . Escondido . Poway . North County San Diego

What to do

It is important to stay calm and not panic. The soft tissues in your mouth are highly susceptible to damage, and you may be in a lot of pain. Try to seek help from others around you, if possible.

Emergency dental soft tissue injuries—involving the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue—require immediate action: rinse with salt water, apply firm pressure with gauze to stop bleeding, and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Seek emergency care if bleeding persists over 15 minutes, the cut is deep, or there is severe facial trauma.

Immediate First Aid Measures

• Stop Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the injured area using sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
• Clean the Area: Gently rinse the mouth with warm salt water or antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection.
• Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek for 15-20 minutes.
• Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen) can be used, but avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
• Identify Injuries: Hematomas (blood collection) or tears on the tongue, lips, or gums may require sutures.

To get treatment for your dental emergency, you should immediately make an appointment with your dentist and try to be seen as soon as possible. It is common for dentists to make same-day appointments for emergencies. You should ideally get someone else to drive you so that you can focus on continuing to apply pressure to the wound. The office may also give you specific instructions over the phone.

What to expect at the dentist?

Depending upon the severity of the injury, treatment options will differ. Your dentist may have to clean the wound and stitch it up, or they may need to consider more serious options that include sedation.

One potential concern is if any of your teeth have also been damaged by the injury. This could require extraction or a procedure such as dental bonding or veneers. Make sure to talk over all options with your dentist.

What to expect afterward

Your dentist may prescribe you painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications. You may still experience some pain and tenderness after your visit. Your dentist will give you specific instructions, but it is advisable to be gentle with your mouth. This includes eating soft foods, such as applesauce and yogurt and gently using antiseptic rinses. Some foods, such as acidic and spicy foods, can irritate your mouth and should be avoided.

Get help with dental emergencies 

If you reinjure your mouth and restart the bleeding or other complications occur, make sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible so that they can fix the problem. Dental emergencies come in all forms, so if you feel like something is wrong then don't hesitate to reach out for help. Your oral health depends on it!