While it’s rare, there are times when an accidental fall or a blow to the face can injure your lip. The severity of the injury will determine the first-aid and treatment methods needed. You can find out the extent of the damage by gently wiping away blood with a warm, wet washcloth. If you have blood or debris in your mouth, you can rinse them away with lukewarm saltwater. This has the added benefit of soothing injured oral tissues.
If your lip starts to swell, you can hold a cold compress on the area for 15 minutes at a time. You shouldn’t hold the cold compress to your lip for longer than 20 minutes because excess cold can also irritate sensitive tissues and impede blood flow. You can improvise a cold compress with a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.
Minor bleeding can often be controlled by applying modest pressure to a bandage or sterile gauze pad. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 to 20 minutes, you should seek emergency care. This is often a sign that the wound requires care by a physician.
For further insights on how to provide first aid for an injured lip in Chandler, Arizona, you can always call Chandler Dental Excellence at 480.786.1734 to seek further advice from your dentist, Dr. Kerry Taylor.