Oral soft tissue injury

Oral soft tissue injury refers to trauma or injury on the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, gingivae, and tongue. These places are very delicate and sensitive; therefore, they cause extreme pain and discomfort when injured. Since these areas are also rich in blood vessels, injury in these places can cause bleeding. Although the bleeding will not be severe, you will still need urgent medical attention because some of the soft tissue injuries in the mouth may need a tetanus shot or stitches. If you have received any injury or experience pain in the given areas, contact us at McClane Dentistry without any delay.

Soft Tissue Injury in Stuart Florida

Types of oral soft tissue injuries

  • Cuts to the lips
  • Puncture wounds
  • Bruises
  • Lacerations.
  • Tissue flaps
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Causes of oral soft tissue injury

  • Biting on your lip or cheek accidentally
  • Chewing on hard foods or objects
  • Engaging in contact sports and activities such as hockey, volleyball, football
  • Falling on your mouth area or face
  • Taking drinks that are too hot
  • Getting involved in car accidents
  • Forceful blow or impact to the face
  • Work-related accidents

How to treat an oral soft tissue injury

  • Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove all foreign materials, then use an antiseptic mouth wash or saltwater solution. For the saline solution, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of lukewarm water. Use the solution several times to rinse your mouth.
  • In case of bleeding, use a moistened piece of gauze or a tea bag to apply pressure and hold it for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • To control pain and reduce bleeding, hold a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or check in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes
  • Call and visit your Stuart, FL, dentist immediately.
  • Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, and you should take them as requested.
  • Eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow..
  • Avoid food that might sting, like salty or spicy foods, citrus foods or juices, and tomatoes.

When to seek medical attention

  • If you experience troubles with swallowing food
  • When the cut starts to bleed continuously
    In case you have the following symptoms, you should rush to your emergency dentist in Stuart, FL, immediately:

i. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the cut
ii. Red streaks leading from the cut
iii. There is pus draining from the cut
iv. You have a fever

Most oral soft tissue injuries are minor and do not require any extensive treatment from a dentist. The injured area is usually cleaned to avoid any further infections. Though in serious accidents, stitches may be done to reduce bleeding.

Getting treatment in Stuart, FL

In case of a soft tissue injury, do not hesitate to call or visit a dentist because it might be something more serious that can lead to a lot of damage to your dental health and your overall health. For more information, contact Dr. Vincent T. McClane of McClane Dentistry on (772) 287-0788. Location- 1001 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34996.