Begin with gentle care
Rinse gently with clean water if you can do so comfortably. Apply steady pressure with clean gauze to an accessible bleeding area, and use a cold compress against the outside of the face. Avoid poking the wound, repeatedly pulling the lip back, or trying to remove something embedded in the tissue. Do not place aspirin directly against a cut or sore gum.
Look beyond the visible cut
Tell the dental team how the injury happened and whether a tooth feels loose, chipped, or different when you bite. A deep, gaping, contaminated, or persistently bleeding wound needs prompt assessment. A clinician may need to check for a tooth fragment, evaluate the bite, or arrange wound treatment. Bring any recovered tooth fragments in a clean container and describe any head injury.
Choose the right level of help
Call for urgent dental advice after an injury involving the teeth or mouth. Seek emergency medical help for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or major facial trauma. Loss of consciousness or other concerning symptoms after a blow also warrants emergency assessment. Once the immediate injury is addressed, ask how to clean the area and what changes should prompt another call.
GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Can I judge the injury by how much it bleeds?
No. Bleeding alone does not show how deep an injury is or whether teeth and surrounding structures were affected. Describe the cause and symptoms when seeking help.