TREATING AN INJURED LIP OR TONGUE

Not every accident in life is a major one, but even minor accidents can cause problems for your oral health. A slip in the kitchen, a fall on the playground or even a minor fender-bender can result in a cut to the lip or tongue.

To avoid an injury to your mouth, you should wear a custom mouth guard when playing sports, or if you have a job that could result in an oral injury. Playground safety, mopping up spills, and clearing your home of trip hazards can help prevent injuries. And of course, wearing your seatbelt can help keep your mouth safe if you are on the road.

If you do sustain an injury to your mouth, you should call our dentist, Dr. Daniel Bishop and let him know. The dentist will let you know if you need to come in for treatment. In the meantime, you can clean your lips with a mild soap water solution, and if needed, rinse your mouth with a solution of water and salt, or a one-to-one mixture of water and peroxide. To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the injury. You can use an ice pack or cold pack to reduce any swelling.

If the injury is severe, the wound is deep or the bleeding will not stop, then you should go to the emergency room before seeking treatment from the dentist. If you have sustained an injury to the lip or tongue, once it is under control, it’s a good idea to make an appointment to see us at Bishop Family Dental. If you would like to schedule your visit, call 801-274-2500 today.