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Mouth and tongue cuts
7-minute read
Key facts
- Cuts to the mouth or tongue commonly happen after a fall or knock to the head.
- If you or someone else has bleeding from the mouth after a fall or injury, check for other injuries.
- Apply firm pressure to a cut on the mouth or tongue to help stop the bleeding.
- Most mouth and tongue cuts heal on their own without stitches.
- Use saltwater rinses and cold compresses to relieve mouth pain and swelling and to reduce the chance of infection.
When might I get a cut on my mouth or tongue?
You might get a cut on your mouth or tongue after a knock to the mouth or a fall. You might also cause an injury by accidentally biting your lips, tongue or cheeks while eating.
If you have braces or other dental devices in your mouth, you might get a scratch or cut from wire rubbing against your cheeks or gums.
What symptoms are related to a mouth or tongue cut?
Symptoms or signs of a mouth or tongue cut might include:
- bleeding from the mouth, lips or gums
- pain in or around the mouth
- swelling
If someone is bleeding from their mouth after an injury, it’s also a good idea to check for other injuries. Mouth injuries resulting from a knock to the head or fall may happen together with a head injury or damage to teeth.
When should I see a dentist or doctor about a cut on my mouth or tongue?
You should see your dentist or doctor if:
- your mouth or tongue becomes very swollen or painful
- you notice discharge coming from the wound
- you develop a fever
- you begin to feel unwell
These may be signs of an infection that needs treatment with antibiotics.
If your wound was caused by a dirty object (such as a rusty nail or wire), ask your doctor if you need a tetanus booster shot.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
When to seek urgent care
If you or someone else is bleeding from the mouth after an injury, make sure that your breathing is not affected. Sometimes mouth swelling or a lot of bleeding can make breathing difficult.
Call an ambulance or see your doctor urgently if you or someone else has bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes.
If you or someone else is having trouble breathing, call triple-zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
If you are looking after someone with a serious injury, keep a close watch on them. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, if they:
- are pale
- have cold or clammy skin
- have fast or shallow breathing
- have a fast or weak pulse
What should I do if I get a cut on my mouth or tongue?
Here is some first-aid advice to follow if you or someone else has a mouth injury that is bleeding. If you are helping someone else with a cut that is bleeding, it’s best to wear disposable gloves.
- Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or pad — you may need to hold the dressing in place.
- If the bleeding is very heavy, it may leak through the dressing and you may need to use a second dressing to cover the first one.
- If the bleeding continues through both dressings and pads, remove only the second dressing and apply a new one.
- Keep applying pressure to the cut.
- Bleeding should stop within 10 minutes of applying constant pressure.
- Don’t swallow the blood from the wound as this may make you vomit or feel nauseous (feel sick) — try to gently spit the blood out.
If the wound is not bleeding, bathe it with clean water.
How are mouth and tongue cuts treated?
Self-care at home
You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to:
- relieve pain
- reduce the chance of infection
Make a saltwater rinse by mixing one teaspoon of salt into one cup of water. Take a mouthful of the liquid and hold it in your mouth so that it covers the affected area. Then spit it out. Do not swallow it. Repeat this process a few times a day. You can also apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Medicines for pain caused by a mouth or tongue cut
Simple pain relievers, such as paracetamol, can help ease the pain of mouth and tongue cuts.
Will I need stitches for a cut on my mouth or tongue?
Most cuts on the tongue or palate (roof of mouth) heal on their own and do not need stitches. If a cut is very large or doesn’t stop bleeding on its own, it may need stitches.
Small cuts on the inside of the lip don’t usually need stitches.
If you have a cut on the outside of your lip, you may need stitches. Visit your doctor or local emergency department for an assessment.
To find your nearest hospital emergency department or after-hours medical service, use the healthdirect Service Finder tool.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Can mouth and tongue cuts be prevented?
Wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports can help prevent injuries to the mouth and tongue.
Complications of mouth and tongue cuts
Most cuts to the mouth and tongue heal without complications. A bacterial infection can sometimes occur, but infections are not common.
Resources and support
Find out more about looking after your teeth from the Australian Dental Association consumer website, Teeth.org.au.
Read more about dental and mouth care.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Mob Smiles has resources and articles created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.