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Mouth Injuries in Children

A mouth injury is damage to the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, teeth or other tissues inside the mouth. Even small injuries can bleed heavily because the mouth has a rich blood supply.

Falls, sports, biting the tongue or lip, sharp foods, toys and dental trauma are common causes.

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AAP Guide to Mouth Injuries in Children

The AAP guide below explains how to stop bleeding and which mouth injuries should be seen.

AAP Symptom CheckerMouth injury

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Bleeding does not stop with steady pressure.
  • A cut is deep, widely open or crosses the border of the lip.
  • The tongue has a large or gaping cut.
  • A tooth is injured or a foreign object remains in the wound.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled.
  • The injury affects breathing or caused major facial trauma.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms