Soft Tissue Injury Care in Fortitude Valley
Injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks and gums are common, particularly during sport, falls and everyday accidents. Because the mouth has a rich blood supply, even small cuts can bleed heavily and look worrying. At Precision Dental, we assess mouth injuries promptly, check for damage to the teeth and provide care to support healing.
What Are Soft Tissue Injuries in the Mouth?
Soft tissue injuries affect the non-tooth structures of the mouth. They include cuts, tears, puncture wounds and bruising of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and palate, as well as ulcers or burns from hot food or irritation. They may occur on their own or alongside injuries to the teeth, such as a broken tooth or knocked-out tooth.
When to Seek Care
Contact us promptly if you have:
- A cut that is deep, gaping or will not stop bleeding with pressure
- An injury involving the lip border or the tongue
- An object embedded in the tissue
- Associated damage to the teeth
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, heat or pus, in the days following an injury
- An ulcer that has not healed within two weeks
Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if bleeding is severe and uncontrolled after 15 minutes of firm pressure, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or the injury involves a head injury or suspected jaw fracture.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Rinse gently with warm water or a mild salt water solution. Apply firm, steady pressure to the bleeding area with clean gauze or a damp cloth for 10 to 15 minutes. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling. Avoid very hot, spicy or acidic foods.
What Happens at Your Appointment
We carefully clean and examine the area to assess the depth of the wound and check for foreign material. We also examine your teeth and take digital X-rays if a tooth injury is suspected. Many minor injuries heal well on their own with good care. Some deeper cuts may need stitches, and in some cases, particularly those involving the lip border or more complex wounds, we may refer you to a medical practitioner or hospital. We will also advise whether a tetanus booster should be discussed with your GP.
Aftercare and Ongoing Care
Keep the area clean with gentle warm salt water rinses after meals from the day after your injury. Eat soft, cool foods and avoid spicy, acidic or crunchy foods until healing is underway. Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can slow healing. Contact us if you notice increasing pain, swelling or signs of infection. For sport, a custom mouthguard helps protect both your teeth and soft tissues.
Why Choose Precision Dental for Soft Tissue Injuries
We provide calm, thorough assessments that consider both soft tissues and teeth, so any associated dental injuries are not missed. Our team gives clear aftercare advice and follows up to monitor healing.
Fees, Health Funds and Payment Options
The cost of your treatment depends on your individual needs. After your examination, we talk you through your options and the expected fees before any treatment begins. We accept most major health funds, process claims on the spot through HICAPS and are a preferred provider for Bupa, HCF and CBHS. Payment plans are available through DentiCare for eligible patients, subject to terms and conditions. You can learn more on our Prices and Payment Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The mouth has a rich blood supply, so even minor cuts can bleed heavily. Firm pressure usually controls bleeding.
Many small cuts heal without stitches. Deeper or gaping wounds, or those involving the lip border, may need them.
Minor injuries often heal within one to two weeks, as tissues in the mouth tend to heal relatively quickly.
See a dentist if an ulcer has not healed within two weeks, keeps returning or is unusually painful.
Yes. Children's mouth injuries often involve the teeth, so an assessment is recommended. Visit our children's dental emergencies page for more information.
A custom mouthguard helps cushion impacts and can reduce the risk of injuries to the lips, cheeks and gums during sport.
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Book Your Visit at Precision Dental
Whether you are due for a routine visit or ready to talk through a treatment you have been considering, our Fortitude Valley team would be glad to welcome you. Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or book online, and we will find a time that suits you.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Individual needs, experiences and results vary.
