Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries such as cuts, burns, or bruises to the lips, inner cheeks, or tongue can result in pain, redness, swelling and possibly bleeding. When you receive this type of injury it tends to bleed a lot.  Broken teeth result in sharp edges that can potentially cut the soft tissue.

Here is what you can do to try to control it:

• First rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water).
• Next try using some moist gauze or a tea bag and applying pressure to the injury. The tannic acid in the tea helps stop bleeding. You will want to hold it there for fifteen to twenty minutes.

If you have tried these tips and the bleeding has not stopped, go to the Emergency Room right away. You will want to be sure to keep applying pressure to the area until you can be seen and treated.

If you have a soft tissue injury, don’t take aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin or blood thinners that can increase bleeding. Tylenol is your best choice.

Burned Roof of Mouth

Eating very hot food (like pizza) can burn the roof of your mouth. These painful sores and blisters typically heal on their own. If they have not healed after 10 days, see your dentist. In the meantime, use warm, saltwater rinses to keep the area clean. If pain relief is needed, use a topical oral anesthetic (found over-the-counter at your pharmacy).

Call  Urgent Dental Care  at 314-423-0000 for an appointment.