Soft Tissue Injuries — Lips, Tongue, Cheeks and Gums
Cuts, bites, and grazes inside the mouth can look alarming because of how much they bleed and how quickly they swell. Most minor soft tissue injuries settle within a few days, but some need to be assessed by a dentist or hospital emergency department on the day. Our team at Sandgate Family Dental can help you decide what level of care is right for the injury in front of you.
If you have an injury that involves the teeth, jaw, or significant cuts that will not stop bleeding, please contact us promptly or attend your nearest hospital. For less severe injuries, book an appointment online for review.
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Common soft tissue injuries
The lining of the mouth is delicate but heals quickly. Typical injuries we see include:
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Hospital ED or dentist?
This is the first decision after a soft tissue injury. As a general guide:
Head to the hospital emergency department if
Bleeding does not slow with 15 minutes of firm, steady pressure
A cut to the lip or chin is deep or crosses the lip border — these often need careful closure
You suspect a jaw fracture, can’t bite together properly, or have facial numbness after a knock
There is a foreign object embedded in the tissue that you cannot remove safely
The injury is from an animal or human bite
The patient is drowsy, confused, vomiting, or has had loss of consciousness
You are not up to date with tetanus immunisation following a deep or contaminated wound
A dentist is usually the right starting point if
The injury also involves a tooth — broken, displaced, or knocked out
Bleeding has settled with simple pressure but there is concern about the area
A bite is sore but the bleeding has stopped
There is a sharp edge of tooth or restoration causing repeated injury
An ulcer or denture sore is not settling within ten to fourteen days
If you are unsure, our page on how to tell if it is a dental emergency can help, and you are welcome to phone us for guidance during business hours.
First aid steps
Calm, basic first aid covers most home and side-of-field injuries.
Reassure the patient — mouths bleed a lot because they are well supplied with blood vessels. The amount of blood does not always reflect the severity of the wound
Rinse gently with cool water to clear blood and any debris so you can see what has happened
Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to the bleeding area for at least 10 to 15 minutes without lifting to peek
Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek or lip to slow swelling — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
Sit upright rather than lying down to reduce blood flow to the head
Avoid spitting or rinsing vigorously for the first hour, as this can dislodge clots
For a tongue bite, gentle pressure with clean gauze between the upper teeth and the tongue can help
Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and hard foods for the rest of the day
Take pain relief as directed on the packaging if needed
If a tooth has been broken at the same time as the cut, see our page on a broken tooth. If a tooth has been knocked out, follow the first-aid steps on our knocked-out tooth page.
Looking after the area while it heals
Once bleeding has settled and you have been assessed:
Eat soft, lukewarm foods for a day or two — yoghurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, soup that has cooled slightly
Sip plenty of water and avoid acidic juices or fizzy drinks that may sting
Rinse gently with warm salt water two to three times a day from the day after the injury
Brush carefully around the area with a soft brush — keeping it clean reduces infection risk
Avoid contact sport and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours where appropriate
Watch for increasing pain, increasing swelling, fever, or pus — these can indicate infection and need review
What to expect at a dental review
1. A focused history
A cut to the lip or chin is deep or crosses the lip border — these often need careful closure
You suspect a jaw fracture, can’t bite together properly, or have facial numbness after a knock
There is a foreign object embedded in the tissue that you cannot remove safely
The injury is from an animal or human bite
The patient is drowsy, confused, vomiting, or has had loss of consciousness
You are not up to date with tetanus immunisation following a deep or contaminated wound
Bleeding has settled with simple pressure but there is concern about the area
A bite is sore but the bleeding has stopped
There is a sharp edge of tooth or restoration causing repeated injury
An ulcer or denture sore is not settling within ten to fourteen days
Calm, basic first aid covers most home and side-of-field injuries.
Rinse gently with cool water to clear blood and any debris so you can see what has happened
Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to the bleeding area for at least 10 to 15 minutes without lifting to peek
Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek or lip to slow swelling — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
Sit upright rather than lying down to reduce blood flow to the head
Avoid spitting or rinsing vigorously for the first hour, as this can dislodge clots
For a tongue bite, gentle pressure with clean gauze between the upper teeth and the tongue can help
Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and hard foods for the rest of the day
Take pain relief as directed on the packaging if needed
Once bleeding has settled and you have been assessed:
Sip plenty of water and avoid acidic juices or fizzy drinks that may sting
Rinse gently with warm salt water two to three times a day from the day after the injury
Brush carefully around the area with a soft brush — keeping it clean reduces infection risk
Avoid contact sport and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours where appropriate
Watch for increasing pain, increasing swelling, fever, or pus — these can indicate infection and need review
1. A focused history
We will ask how the injury happened, when it occurred, and whether you have any other concerns.
2. Careful examination
Your dentist will look at the soft tissues, the teeth, and the bite to make sure nothing has been missed.
3. X-rays if appropriate
Small digital X-rays help us check for hidden injuries to teeth or bone, particularly after a knock.
4. Treatment of any contributing factors
If a sharp edge of tooth or restoration is causing repeated injury, we will smooth or repair it. Our pages on fillings and dental crowns outline the longer-term options.
5. Advice on healing and review
We will give clear advice on home care, what to watch for, and when to come back if things are not settling.
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Preventing soft tissue injuries
If sport is your concern, our page on sports dental injuries outlines what to do at the side of the field.
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Who this page is for
Payment
Health funds and payment
We are a HICAPS provider, so where you have eligible dental cover we can process your health fund claim at the practice and you only need to pay any gap. The exact rebate depends on your individual policy, your level of cover, and your annual limits — your fund can confirm what is covered before treatment.
FAQs
Soft tissue injury FAQs
How long should I press on a cut inside my mouth?
Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth for at least 10 to 15 minutes without lifting to check. If bleeding continues after that, seek medical attention.
Should I rinse with mouthwash after an injury?
Not in the first 24 hours. Use cool water or warm salt water — strong mouthwashes can sting and slow healing.
Will a cut inside the mouth scar?
Most internal mouth wounds heal quickly and well because of good blood supply. Cuts that cross the lip border are more likely to need formal closure to avoid a visible scar.
Why is my tongue numb after biting it?
Bruising and swelling can briefly affect sensation. Numbness lasting more than a day after a bite or a knock to the jaw should be assessed.
Can a dentist stitch a cut inside the mouth?
Yes, dentists can manage many intraoral lacerations. Cuts to the lip border, deep cuts, or those involving facial nerves or muscles are usually better handled at a hospital emergency department.
How do I know if a bite is infected?
Increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or a bad taste from around the wound are signs that you should be reviewed.
My child keeps biting their cheek — what should I do?
Repeated cheek biting often suggests a bite imbalance or a sharp edge. Book a review so we can identify the cause and protect the soft tissues.
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Speak to our team
If you or someone in your family has had a knock to the mouth or a stubborn sore that is not settling, please get in touch. We will help you decide whether a hospital visit is needed, see you for prompt review, and address any underlying cause. Book online or phone the practice during opening hours.
Related pages
Related pages
Need to be seen?
Tell our team what’s going on and we’ll find a time.
Or phone Sandgate Family Dental on (07) 3269 6252.