When does a cut in the mouth need stitches?

Large, deep or gaping cuts, or cuts that keep bleeding despite firm pressure, may need medical assessment and stitches. Go to your nearest emergency department if bleeding will not stop.

Should I see a dentist after a mouth injury?

Yes, if the injury may have affected your teeth or gums. Teeth can be chipped, loosened or pushed out of position even if they do not hurt straight away.

How can I reduce swelling?

A cold pack held against the outside of the face for short periods can help reduce swelling in the first day or two.

What if it happens after hours?

For severe pain, swelling or trauma outside our opening hours, go to your nearest hospital emergency department. For life-threatening symptoms, call 000.

Dental emergency · Mouth injuries

Cut lip, tongue or cheek?

Injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks and gums can bleed a lot, even when they are minor. Most can be managed with first aid, but some need prompt dental or medical care. If you are unsure, call (03) 5278 2666.

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Call (03) 5278 2666

Mouth injuries Call (03) 5278 2666 Emergency slots each day Open six days Life-threatening? Call 000 Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974 Mouth injuries Call (03) 5278 2666 Emergency slots each day Open six days Life-threatening? Call 000 Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974

Norlane · Geelong
One location since 1974

Emergency · Norlane

Mouth injuries often look worse than they are.

The mouth has a rich blood supply, so small cuts can bleed heavily at first. Firm pressure usually slows bleeding within a few minutes.

Injuries from a fall or knock can also damage teeth, so it is worth having your teeth checked even if the main injury is to the soft tissues.

Norlane Dental

One location since 1974

First aid

What to do for a soft tissue injury.

Seek urgent medical care if bleeding does not stop, or if the injury is severe.

N° 01

Clean

Rinse gently

Rinse with a mild salt-water solution to clean the area.

N° 02

Bleeding

Apply pressure

Press a clean, damp gauze or cloth firmly on the area for 10 to 15 minutes.

N° 03

Swelling

Cold compress

Hold a cold pack on the outside of the face to reduce swelling and ease pain.

N° 04

Pain

Pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relief may help. Follow the label directions.

N° 05

Check teeth

Look for tooth damage

Check for chipped, loose or knocked-out teeth, and call us if you find any.

N° 06

Hospital

When to go to hospital

Go to hospital if bleeding continues after 15 minutes of firm pressure, or if the cut is large or deep.

Urgent symptoms

When to call 000 or go to hospital.

Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or eye, bleeding that will not stop, a suspected broken jaw, or a head injury. Outside our opening hours, seek care at your nearest emergency department for severe pain, swelling or trauma.

When you call us