First Aid For Dental / Mouth Injury

Injuries to the mouth area, including jaw and teeth, can have a good outcome if simple first aid techniques are used. Bleeding from the mouth can be serious if the airway and breathing is blocked by blood or knocked out teeth. Lips can bleed and swell quickly due to a rich blood supply.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain, swelling
- Bleeding
- Inability to close mouth
- Trouble breathing

Tips:
- Do not force the jaw open or closed.
- Do not pull a tooth that is partially out.
- Do not handle the part of the tooth that was in the gum.
- Do not use force to reinsert tooth.
- Do not try to stop bleeding if you can't see the source.

If difficulty speaking or breathing:
- Call for medical help
- Place victim in a position of comfort

If bleeding from the mouth and no loose or missing teeth are visible:
- Put gloves on and apply pressure to visible bleeding area with gauze or clean cloth. Apply cold pack (mixture ice/water) to swelling.
- If bleeding is deep in the mouth, place victim in Recovery Position to prevent victim from choking on blood.
- Get medical help if bleeding can't be stopped or victim has trouble breathing.
- Monitor and treat for Shock if present.

If tooth is loose:
- Have victim bite down on sterile gauze to keep tooth in place
- Get dental help.

If a tooth is knocked out:
- Handle the tooth by the crown.
- If tooth goes in easily, gently insert into socket
- If not, rinse tooth in water and place in solution that preserves, such as Hank's balanced salt solution, propolis, whole milk, coconut water or egg white. This will extend the viability of the tooth.
- Take victim and tooth to dentist as quickly as possible.
- Clean any bleeding wounds with tap water.
- Stop bleeding from gum by applying pressure with a piece of cotton or gauze for at least five minutes, use increased pressure if needed.