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How can you care for a mouth injury?
- Apply a cold compress to the injured area. Or suck on a piece of ice or a flavored ice pop.
- Rinse your wound with warm salt water right after meals. Saltwater rinses may relieve some pain. To make a saltwater solution for rinsing the mouth, mix 1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
- Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow.
- Avoid foods that might sting. These include salty or spicy foods, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Try using a topical medicine, such as Orabase, to reduce mouth pain.
Mouth injury: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse bleeding.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the injured area.
- Pus draining from the injured area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.