What to Do If You Get Hit in the Mouth

Nobody plans on getting injured, but when you get a blow to the mouth, it’s good to know what to do. Sports accidents are a common cause of impact-related mouth injuries, but auto accidents, falls, and even fist fights can all damage your teeth, gums, or other areas of your mouth.

As a top-rated dentist in Waterford, Michigan, Marvin Taylor, DDS, offers emergency dental care for patients at Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center, focusing on state-of-the-art therapies that relieve pain and restore normal function. In this post, learn what steps you should take if you get hit in the mouth.

Check for injuries

After being struck in the mouth, the first step is to evaluate your injuries. Assess the severity, looking for bleeding, loose, broken, or missing teeth and cuts, and assess the level of pain you’re experiencing, too. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect you may have a bone broken, a dislocated jaw, or a broken or missing tooth. The same is true if you have significant bleeding or a large laceration.

Handle knocked-out teeth correctly

If you have a tooth that’s knocked out, avoid touching the roots and rinse the tooth under a gentle stream of cool water to remove dirt. Try to place the tooth back in its socket or hold it between your cheek and gum. If you can’t do either, put it in a glass of milk or water and head to the office or emergency room immediately. You may save the tooth with prompt treatment.

Rinse gently

Try rinsing your mouth very gently with warm water. Add some salt to the water to reduce inflammation and help battle germs. Swish the water gently inside your mouth for a few seconds, then let the water out without forceful spitting.

Put pressure on bleeding areas

If you have significant bleeding, use gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure. If bleeding continues after 10-15 minutes or you have a large cut or laceration, call the office or seek medical treatment immediately.

Use an over-the-counter pain reliever

For less severe injuries, including those without bleeding, an over-the-counter pain medicine may help you feel better before you get to our office. You shouldn’t take any medicine without calling our office first.

Use a cool compress or ice pack

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to your cheek over the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap ice or an ice pack in cloth before applying it, and only use it for 15 minutes at a time to avoid skin damage.

Call the office 

After any mouth or facial impact, call the office right away if you suspect any injury — even if your symptoms are mild. A slight blow can cause tooth cracks or chips, leading to infections or other oral health problems. During your visit, we also check for hairline fractures, problems with jaw function, and other issues that require treatment.

Skilled care for dental emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary and can cause a lot of pain. But by taking the correct steps in the immediate aftermath, you can ensure you get the proper care.

To learn more about dental emergency treatments, call 248-681-8100 or request an appointment online at Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center today.