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Mouth cuts can occur from brushing your teeth, eating, accidentally biting parts of your mouth, or wearing braces. Most of these cuts are minor and will heal naturally, but at times, they can be painful and develop into white sores. To help heal these cuts, rinse with saltwater, apply ointments, or try using natural antibiotics.
Steps
Stop the Bleeding
Rinse Your Mouth. If the mouth cut causes bleeding, start by rinsing your mouth with cool water. Use the cool water to rinse thoroughly around the wound. This step helps to wash away the blood and stop the bleeding.
Apply Pressure to the Wound. If the bleeding continues after rinsing, you can press a gauze pad onto the cut. Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to help stop the bleeding.
Apply Cold Compress. You can also stop the bleeding by applying a cold pack or ice cube to the bleeding cut. Wrap the ice cube in a cloth and place it on the cut. This method helps reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which in turn helps stop the bleeding.
Wound Healing
Apply Ointment. You can buy an antibiotic ointment specifically formulated to treat mouth sores. These ointments won't heal the cut but may contain pain-relieving ingredients. Additionally, the antibiotic ointment can help reduce swelling around the wound.
- When using ointments intended for the mouth, be sure to carefully read the instructions.
Rinse with Saltwater. Rinsing with saltwater is one of the most common methods for healing cuts inside the mouth. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Rinse your mouth with the saltwater, focusing on the area with the wound.
- Salt has antiseptic properties that help clean the wound.
Use Honey. Honey is a substance with antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help boost the immune system. When applied to a mouth wound, honey can kill bacteria, promote healing, and relieve pain. You can apply raw honey to the cut once a day.
Try Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has natural disinfectant and antibacterial properties. This can help kill bacteria in the wound and speed up the healing process. Apply apple cider vinegar to the cut twice a day until it heals.
Make a Baking Soda Paste. Baking soda has antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria in the wound and promote healing. You can mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the wound 2-3 times a day.
- You can also brush your teeth with a baking soda mixture, but avoid touching the wounded area, as this may irritate and cause further bleeding.
Pain Relief
Avoid Spicy and Hard Foods. Certain foods can irritate mouth wounds. Avoid anything too spicy or salty, as these can cause stinging and pain. It's also best to stay away from dry and hard foods. Instead, opt for soft foods that won't irritate the tissues in your mouth.
- Try eating dairy products like ice cream, tender meats, and cooked vegetables.
- Avoid sour foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits.
To keep your body hydrated, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. A dry mouth can cause irritation and discomfort, so it's important to stay hydrated. Avoid drinks that may worsen the pain, such as citrus juices or sour beverages.
- Avoid alcohol-based drinks as they can cause burning sensations.
Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can harm the damaged tissues in your mouth and delay healing. Instead, try rinsing with hydrogen peroxide if you have any ulcers or sores in your mouth.
- If you must use mouthwash, choose alcohol-free varieties.
Limit the movement of your mouth while waiting for the wound to heal. Although you can't stop talking or moving your mouth entirely, be cautious. Don't open your mouth too wide, as stretching the tissues can cause the wound to reopen or delay healing.
Use wax to prevent cuts and reduce pain if you're wearing braces. Applying orthodontic wax to the sharp areas of your braces that irritate your mouth will help soothe the pain by reducing friction on the wounds, and it can also prevent new cuts from forming.
