Accidentally injuring your gums or the roof of your mouth while eating can be alarming and painful. However, not every such instance qualifies as a dental emergency. Minor cuts or punctures from sharp foods like tortilla chips or fish bones often heal on their own with simple at-home care. Of course, it’s important to monitor the wound and prevent infection.
Avoiding Oral Wound Infection
To ensure that any cuts or wounds in your mouth heal fully and without complications, there are certain steps you can take:
- Start by rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce bacteria.
- Avoid irritating the injury further by sticking to soft foods and steering clear of spicy, acidic, or hot items that could exacerbate discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if the area is particularly tender or painful.
However, if the wound is deep, continues bleeding after 10 minutes of gentle pressure, or shows signs of infection like swelling, pus, or worsening pain, seek professional care immediately. Additionally, if you feel something lodged in the wound, visit your dentist or an emergency clinic immediately.
Addressing Your Dental Emergency in Fort Collins, CO
If you’re in Fort Collins and looking for an experienced emergency dentist for immediate care or just want to be prepared in the event of an emergency, contact the friendly and knowledgeable team at Ryan Rush, DDS, PLLC to schedule an appointment!