Your teeth are not the only part of your mouth vulnerable to injury. The soft tissues in your mouth are equally exposed to these risks. These areas house a large number of blood vessels, that’s why they bleed easily and profusely when they are injured.
Because soft tissues are fragile and sensitive, a simple careless gesture can cause them damage. A bite that is too hard or food that is too hot can cause your soft tissues to bleed or be injured.
Although bleeding may stop after a few minutes, the pain from the injury often remains. Added to the initial excessive amount of blood, this dental emergency most often causes panic and makes the injury appear worse than it actually is.
The Soft Tissues And Their Common Injuries
The soft tissues in your mouth are:
- Cheeks
- Tongue
- Lips
- Gums
Mouth wounds include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Tissue flaps,
- Cuts to the lips
First Aid Steps For Soft Tissues’ Injuries
If one or more of your soft tissues are injured, follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with mild salt-water solution or antiseptic mouthwash. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in eight ounce of water for the solution.
- If the bleeding continues after rinsing, apply pressure on the damaged area. For 10-15 minutes use a clean piece of gauze or any clean material that can absorb blood and saliva.
- Other alternatives to this could be a sanitary napkin or tampon. Always make sure that the material is clean and controlled by your hands.
- Hold ice on the damaged area to reduce swelling, pain, and control bleeding.
Following these first aid steps and administering them correctly lessens the danger, pain, and inconvenience caused by this dental emergency.
As noted, injuries in the soft tissues of the mouth are most often minor and the bleeding stops after a few minutes. However, if the bleeding continues you could be suffering from a serious injury and you need to call your dentist immediately.
Either way, it is important to check with your dentist after following the first aid steps. Only your dentist can fully assure you that you are free from any imminent risks resulting from the injury.
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist Treatment Of Soft Tissues’ Injuries
To administer proper treatment, your dentist at Castlemaine Smiles will conduct a thorough examination of the damaged area. If the injury is solely in the soft tissue, your dentist might stitch close the wound to stop the bleeding.
Oftentimes this is not necessary, and your dentist will only have to clean the area for any dirt or foreign debris that might cause infection.
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist, Your Local Dentist In Castlemaine
Administering proper first aid is crucial to alleviate pain during dental emergencies. But to ensure absolute safety, visiting your dentist immediately is just as important.
Same Day Emergency Appointment is usually available at Castlemaine Smiles Dentist.
Call us on (03) 5472 1377 or request your appointment online today!
