Injured Cheek, Gums, Lips
Call (08) 9227 6468 for urgent care
Injured Cheek, Gums, Lips
Call (08) 9227 6468 for urgent care
First aid for soft tissue injuries
Soft tissues in the mouth—including your cheeks, gums, and lips—are rich in blood vessels, which means even a small injury can cause noticeable bleeding. While these injuries may look alarming, you can do a lot to minimise discomfort, reduce bleeding, and lower the risk of infection by applying prompt and proper first aid.
Common causes of soft tissue injuries
- Accidents during sports or physical activities (e.g., being hit in the face with a ball)
- Biting your cheek or lip accidentally while eating
- Falls or direct impacts to the face
- Sharp food or dental appliances such as braces or dentures
- Dental treatment complications (rare, but possible after certain procedures)
Immediate first aid steps
Gently rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution to help clean the wound and reduce bacterial buildup. Use lukewarm water—avoid hot water, as heat can increase bleeding.
Using clean gauze or a soft, clean cloth, press firmly on the injured area for about 20 minutes to help stop bleeding. You can use your fingers to hold the gauze in place.
Sit upright and remain still to minimise blood flow to the injury, which can help slow the bleeding.
Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the outside of your face near the injury in short intervals (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
When to seek immediate medical attention
In some cases, a dental abscess or other severe infection can become a medical emergency. Call 000 or go to the nearest hospital if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapidly increasing swelling in your face or neck
- High fever and chills
These can be signs that the infection has spread beyond the mouth and needs urgent medical care.
When to see a dentist immediately
You should contact Alma Dental Surgery promptly if:
- Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure
- The wound is deep or continues to open
- A tooth is loose or damaged as part of the injury
- You notice signs of infection, such as increased swelling, redness, or pus
- You have difficulty closing your mouth or moving your jaw
How we treat soft tissue injuries
When you visit Alma Dental Surgery for a soft tissue injury, our team will:
- Examine the injury to determine the extent of the damage
- Clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly
- Provide stitches if needed for large cuts
- Check for tooth or jaw damage
- Offer pain relief and follow-up care instructions
Preventing soft tissue injuries
While accidents can happen, you can lower your risk by:
- Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports
- Taking care when eating hard or sharp foods
- Being mindful with hot drinks and food to avoid burns
- Keeping dental appliances well-fitted and free of sharp edges
Need urgent care for a mouth injury?
If you’ve injured your cheek, gums, or lips and the bleeding doesn’t stop, or you’re unsure about the severity, call Alma Dental Surgery right away. We’re here to help you recover quickly and comfortably.
Call us on (08) 9227 6468 for prompt advice and emergency care. We can guide you over the phone and help you manage the situation until you’re able to see us in person.* This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. In case of a serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or symptoms affecting your general health, seek emergency medical care immediately.
