A mouth injury are common in young children and involves the teeth, lips, jaw, inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, tonsils, gums and neck. Occasionally, these injuries looks worse than they are, even a small cut or puncture inside the mouth can cause so much bleeding because there are so many blood vessels in the neck and head area.
Injury in the teeth can be caused by a fall or in a sports activity or it can be knocked out (avulsed). It can be replaced with a permanent tooth in its socket by replanting. If the tooth was knocked out or torn away from the socket, immediate first aid and dental treatment should be given to the person.
A crack, chip, or break a tooth, or changes in color of the tooth can also be caused by a tooth injury. A tooth that loses or moves out of position is called dental luxation, or a tooth that is jammed into the gums is called intruded.
Grinding of teeth at night can also cause dental injuries. A broken or a loose dental appliance that is attached to the teeth or an orthodontic wire or bracket will rub the inside of your mouth and making it sore.
Injury in the mouth and lips causes large, loose tissues or a gaping wound that will need stitches. A wound in the lip can be stitched. A piece of broken tooth or an orthodontic wire that is attached to the wound would require medical care.
When a person falls on a pointed object like a pencil or a Popsicle stick in his or her mouth, it will cause injury to the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat or a tonsil can cause damage to the tissues in the head and neck.
Treatment for mouth and dental injuries
- Applying a cold compress to the injured area or the person will suck on a piece of ice or flavored ice pop like Popsicle.
- Rinse the wound with warm water after eating meals. Use saltwater to promote healing by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of water.
- Eating soft foods that can be easily swallowed like milk, shakes, ice cream, yogurt. Other recommended foods include custards, cottage cheese and sherbets, mashed potatoes, chicken, tuna, eggs and peanut butter.
- Avoiding foods that are spicy, salty, citrus fruit juices and tomatoes.
- Avoid smoking or use tobacco products, avoid drinking alcohol.
- If an orthodontic wire or bracket is stabbing the gums or teeth, create a roll or ball of molten candle wax or orthodontic wax and apply it the area that is prodding the gums or teeth.
Preventive measures
- Have the teeth and gums checked by the dentist regularly
- Using a seat belt when riding in a vehicle to prevent or reduce injuries in the mouth during motor vehicle accidents.
- Wearing a mouth guard when playing some sports, it can be made by the dentist.
- Wearing a helmet and face guard in sports to protect the face, mouth, or head if accidents might happen.
- Proper wearing of the orthodontics appliances, like the retainer or headgear.
- Using orthodontic wax in protecting the inside of the mouth from poking wires.