What is what to do when you have a cut in your mouth?

Here's some information about what to do when you have a cut in your mouth:

A cut inside your mouth, while often painful, usually heals quickly. Here's how to care for it:

  • Control the bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. The bleeding should stop within a few minutes.
  • Rinse your mouth: Rinse gently with warm salt water. This helps clean the wound and promotes healing. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Do this several times a day, especially after meals. See the link about "Salt%20Water%20Rinse" for more information.
  • Avoid irritating foods: Stay away from spicy, acidic, or hard foods that could further irritate the cut.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing gently, but be careful around the injured area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Find out more about "Oral%20Hygiene".
  • Consider over-the-counter remedies: You can use over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwashes or oral gels designed to soothe mouth sores. See the link about "Antiseptic%20Mouthwashes".
  • Pain relief: If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Watch for signs of infection: If you notice increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever, see a dentist or doctor promptly. Learn more about "Signs%20of%20Infection".

In most cases, a minor cut in your mouth will heal on its own within a week or two. If it doesn't heal, or if you have any concerns, consult a dental or medical professional.