Mouth Injury
Oral injury: burn, contusion, or laceration
What it is
A mouth injury may be a burn, cut, small wound, bruise, or tear inside the mouth. It may occur after an accident, fall, sports activity, consuming food, or a drink that is too hot. It may cause pain, swelling, redness, or bleeding.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Wash your hands before and after touching the injury.
- Drink cold fluids.
- Brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse your mouth with water 4 to 6 times a day, especially after eating or drinking.
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
If the injury is bleeding
- Apply direct pressure to the injury with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
- If it is bleeding heavily: Sit down and lean the head slightly forward.
- For a young child: Sit the child on an adult’s lap and tilt the child’s head slightly forward.
In the event of a burn
- Rinse your mouth with cold water for about 10 minutes.
- Take small sips of cold water often.
- Hold water in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
After an impact or if there is bruising inside the mouth
- Apply cold for 15 to 20 minutes every hour during the first 4 hours.
- Use a cold compress, such as an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a reusable cold pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source.
- Eat cold foods, such as ice pops (Popsicles) or frozen yogurt.
- From age 4: Let an ice cube melt in the mouth.
To prevent injuries
- Wear a mouthguard for certain contact sports, such as hockey, football, or karate.
Avoid
- Do not use mouthwash containing alcohol.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Avoid acidic drinks, such as orange or grapefruit juice.
- Avoid acidic, spicy, salty, hard, or very hot foods.
When to seek medical attention
A deep wound with edges that remain open and may require stitches
A wound that goes through the skin on your face
Skin around the wound that becomes red, swollen, or warm, or the presence of pus (yellow-green fluid)
Pain that gets worse despite following the recommended advice
Check whether the injured person’s tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Need help?
Make an appointment on Clic Santé if your child needs a vaccination.
See your dentist.
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Severe pain that does not improve despite medication and care
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty swallowing saliva or fluids
Heavy bleeding that does not stop despite following the recommended advice
Severe pain that continues despite following the recommended advice
An object lodged in the wound
Shortness of breath that does not improve or gets worse
Fever, chills, or weakness that begins suddenly and gets worse quickly
A hard, swollen, or very painful abdomen
Rapid changes in the person’s condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- severe weakness
Signs of internal bleeding, such as:
- severe weakness or feeling very unwell
- skin that is paler than usual
- cold or clammy skin
- a rapid heartbeat
- rapid or difficult breathing or shortness of breath