How to Treat a Mouth Wound

The mouth is an important part of the body because it's a gateway for providing nourishment to the body, and, course we use it to communicate. When you sustain a mouth wound, you want to find treatment fast. When you want to treat a mouth wound, there are situations where you can perform treatment at home. However, at times, you will need to seek treatment from a physician.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Water
• Cloth
• Bandage
• Ice cube
• Antiseptic ointment
• Cup

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Instructions

Treatment at Home

• 1

  Remain calm. Crying can cause the wound to bleed more.

• 2

  Wash your hands well before you touch the wound.

• 3

  Use a clean cloth or a bandage and apply pressure to the wound for several minutes to help stop the bleeding.

• 4

  Clean the wound with soap and water if it's on your lip or the outside area of your mouth. If the wound is inside your mouth, rinse the area with cool water for several minutes.

• 5

  Suck on an ice cube to help reduce swelling. Do this once every two hours over the first 24 hours after you sustain the wound.

• 6

  Apply an antiseptic ointment on wounds on the lips or outer edge of the mouth to prevent infection.

• 7

  Rinse your mouth with cool water after each meal and before you go to bed.

Treatment From a Physician

• 8

  Call your doctor if the wound is bleeding heavily, espeically after you've applied direct pressure to the wound for five to 10 minutes.

• 9

  Look at the size of the cut. If you have a large cut on the face, or if the mouth wound is deeper or longer than 1/2 inch, a doctor should treat it.

• 10

  Consider the cause of the wound. If a rusty object, a human or animal bite caused the wound, or if it's been five years since your last tetanus shot, call your doctor.

• 11

  Examine the area surrounding the wound. If there is debris embedded in the skin, of if you suspect a head injury that accompanies the mouth wound, call your doctor immediately.

• 12

  Monitor the wound for signs of infection. Call your doctor if you notice increased warmth, swelling, redness or drainage in the mouth wound area.