Mouth and dental injuries

Severe blows to the jaw may result in broken teeth, damaged gums, cuts to the lips or tongue, or even jaw fractures. External wounds to the lips and cheeks should be treated using standard wound care procedures. For injuries inside the mouth, the patient should rinse thoroughly with water to remove loose debris. Broken tooth fragments embedded in the gums should not be removed manually.

If the patient experiences pain, appropriate pain relief should be provided. Management of a lost tooth should follow standard dental emergency procedures. Deep wounds inside the mouth, particularly in the cheek or tongue, should not be stitched. Bleeding should be controlled using direct pressure.

If a jaw fracture is suspected, the upper and lower jaws should be supported together using a bandage, ensuring the teeth align as normally as possible. If the patient has dentures that fit properly, they should be worn to help stabilize the jaw. In cases where injuries are more than minor, antibiotic treatment should be started. If the patient cannot take oral medication, intramuscular injections of procaine benzylpenicillin should be administered as prescribed.