Soft Tissue Injuries
The mouth bleeds more dramatically than most injuries because of how blood-vessel-rich the tissue is, even for relatively minor cuts.
Cuts or tears to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue may need urgent care to control bleeding and prevent infection.
Step by step
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1
Rinse the mouth gently with warm salt water to clean the area.
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2
Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag (the tannins in tea can help bleeding slow) directly to the wound for a full 15–20 minutes without checking on it repeatedly.
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3
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or face to reduce swelling.
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4
If bleeding doesn't stop after 15–20 minutes of steady pressure, or the wound is deep, gaping, or has jagged edges, seek emergency care rather than continuing to wait.
bleeding doesn't stop after 15–20 minutes of steady pressure, or the wound is deep, gaping, or has jagged edges. Seek emergency care rather than continuing to wait.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance for a common situation, not a substitute for professional care. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out. If this is a true medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Other dental emergencies
Dealing with a dental emergency?
Call us right away. We're here to help you figure out the right next step.