Trauma to the mouth (injury)

Mouth | General Practice | Trauma to the mouth (injury) (Disease)


Description

Injuries to the lip, flap under the upper lip (frenulum), tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate), or back of the mouth (tonsils and oropharynx).

Causes and Risk factors

The types of injuries include: cuts of the tongue or inside of the cheeks, cuts and bruises of the upper lip are usually due to falls, cuts of the lower lip are usually caused by catching it between the upper and lower teeth during a fall, potentially serious mouth injuries are those to the tonsil, soft palate, or back of the throat.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment for a mouth or tongue injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. Treatment often includes cold compresses, oral rinses, saltwater gargles, narcotic pain medications, surgery, or antibiotics. Treatment options for a mouth or tongue injury include: cold compresses applied for 20 minutes at a time, 2 to 3 times per day; oral rinses for oral injuries; narcotic pain medication. Surgery for mouth or tongue injuries may be used to repair damaged structures. Oral wound repair and antibiotics to prevent oral infections are also used. ...