How to Heal Cuts in the Mouth: Effective Remedies

Cuts in the mouth are surprisingly common due to the fragile oral mucosa and the various activities that involve our mouths, such as eating and brushing our teeth. While these injuries are typically minor and heal independently, proper care is crucial to prevent infection and accelerate healing.

If you want to learn how to heal cuts in mouth, here’s a comprehensive guide on managing them effectively by blending home remedies with essential dental care tips.

What Are Mouth Cuts?

Mouth cuts are small injuries or lesions that occur inside the mouth, typically on the cheeks, tongue, or gums. They can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Biting the inner cheek or tongue
• Consuming hot or sharp-edged food
• Brushing teeth vigorously
• Or due to dental procedures

Some people may also experience mouth cuts due to certain conditions like mouth ulcers, oral infections, or braces. They can sometimes be painful and uncomfortable, especially while eating and talking.

There are a few signs of mouth cuts to keep in mind:

• Pain or tenderness in a specific part of the mouth
• A visible wound or tear inside the mouth
• Swelling or redness around the cut
• Bleeding from the cut
• Difficulty in eating or talking due to the cut

What Are the Best Natural Remedies for Healing Mouth Cuts?

If you prefer learning how to heal a cut in the mouth naturally, you can also find several methods to remedy your mouth cuts. Some of the natural remedies include:

1. Rinse With Salt Water

Rinsing with warm salt water is a quick and simple remedy for mouth cuts. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can help eliminate bacteria and promote healing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water, swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Do this several times a day until your cut heals.

2. Honey Application

Honey has been recognized for its healing properties and ability to reduce inflammation. Apply raw honey directly to your mouth cut, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water.

3. Homemade Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to create a healing paste. Apply this paste on the cut, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth. Do this twice per day for best results.

4. Aloe Vera

Applied topically, aloe vera can ease discomfort and aid the healing process. Its anti-inflammatory approach helps relieve pain. Slice an aloe vera leaf, extract the gel and apply it directly on the cut.

5. Chamomile Tea

The therapeutic effect of chamomile tea bags can induce healing for mouth cuts. Dip a chamomile tea bag in warm water, then apply it directly to your cut. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth. This method can soothe any pain or discomfort associated with your mouth cut.

6. Coconut Oil Swishing

Known for its healing properties, swishing with coconut oil can help repair mouth cuts. This process, known as oil pulling, helps cleanse your mouth and boost oral health. For best results, swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for about 15 minutes daily, then spit it out and rinse with warm water.

7. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil has been recognized for speeding healing and reducing scarring. Breaking open a vitamin E capsule and applying the oil directly to the cut a few times daily can be very effective.

8. Clove Oil

Clove oil is a potent natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that can ease the pain and speed up the healing process. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture to the mouth cut. Remember to avoid swallowing and rinse your mouth after a few minutes.

What Should You Do When a Mouth Cut Occurs?

Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water will aid in how to heal a cut in your mouth. The warm water soothes the wound, while the salt helps to reduce bacteria and infection. It’s a natural antiseptic that can also indirectly promote faster healing by helping control harmful microbes’ growth. However, it’s important to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes since these can cause irritation and delay the healing process.

Step 2: Apply Pressure

Using a clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure to the cut can help halt the bleeding, an essential part of healing a mouth wound. Typically, applying pressure for a period of 15-20 minutes is enough unless the injury is severe. If the bleeding does not stop within this period, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Step 3: Cold Compress

A cold compress or an ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb the pain around the cut. The cold restricts the blood vessels, which can curb the immediate bleeding and reduce inflammatory reactions that cause swelling. Nevertheless, the ice shouldn’t touch the skin directly; always wrap it in a cloth first to avoid frostbite.

Step 4: Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

To help manage any discomfort or pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken as directed in the package instructions. These might include NSAIDs or acetaminophen, which work by blocking the production of certain naturally occurring substances that cause inflammation and pain.

Step 5: Avoid Irritants

If you’re wondering how to heal cuts in the mouth, another useful guideline is avoiding substances that may worsen the irritation and inflammation. Such substances include spicy, salty, or acidic foods, which can sting the wound and potentially extend its healing time. Also, you should avoid touching the cut as the germs and bacteria on your fingers or tongue can lead to secondary infections.

Step 6: See a Healthcare Professional

You should always seek medical attention if the cut is deep, bleeds despite applying pressure, or doesn’t show signs of healing after a few days. A healthcare professional can properly evaluate the situation and determine if additional treatments like stitches are required. They can also prescribe antibiotics if there’s a risk of infection, ensuring the cut will heal properly and swiftly.

Preventive Measures for Mouth Cuts

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to keep your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria and food particles that can increase the risk of infection in case of any cuts. Rinse your mouth with salt water to cleanse and soothe mouth cuts further.
• Be Mindful While Eating. Avoid biting down too hard, especially when eating firm, hot food or ice cubes, to prevent causing mouth injuries. Pay attention while eating to avoid accidentally biting your lips, cheeks, and tongue or suffering from a human bite, which could lead to significant mouth pain.
• Use Mouthguards. Always wear a protective mouth guard if you participate in daily activities or contact sports that could result in a mouth or tooth injury. This can effectively safeguard against mouth cuts and consequential mouth pain.
• Avoid Sharp Objects. Don’t use toothpicks, sharp utensils or other pointed objects near your mouth to reduce the risk of accidental cuts. Keep your mouth and hands clean to avoid introducing dirt particles that can cause infection.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups. Regular visits to the dentist will help identify and resolve any oral health issues that might increase your risk of mouth cuts, such as misaligned teeth or braces with protruding wires. If cuts occur, apply direct pressure until the bleeding stops, and seek immediate medical treatment if necessary.

Get Quality Care For Mouth Cuts: Contact South Eastern Dental Today

You should have no problems handling cuts within your mouth by following this guide. Something as simple as rinsing your mouth with clean water is a step forward to healing wounds and cuts. But for severe cuts that require a dental expert, you should immediately visit South Eastern Dental.

Contact us right away to schedule an appointment so that we can provide the proper medical care. You can even talk to us to learn more about how to get rid of cuts in your mouth better.