Mouth trauma - Oral contusion

Very low urgency
--

Injury to the mouth as a result of the action of an external force or energy. It can affect the lips, teeth, tongue, gums, palate and jaw.

The cause is usually a fall, blow and/or injury from a weapon.

The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, bleeding from the cut or wound, difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Diagnosis is made by clinical interview and physical examination. Some imaging tests may be necessary to rule out fractures.

Treatment includes pain control with analgesics and anti-inflammatories, suturing and application of local cold if there is a cut or wound with bleeding, and surgery if there is more extensive damage.

Bibliographic references
  1. M.L. Somacarrera, A.F.López, C. Martín, M. Díaz. Lesiones traumáticas en la mucosa oral de los adultos mayores. Av. Odontoestomatol. Madrid. 2015 31:(3)129-134.
  2. C. García, L. Pérez, I. Castejón. Prevalencia y etiología de los traumatismos dentales. Una revisión. RCOE. 2003;8(2):131-141.
  3. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Assessment and management of intra-oral lacerations; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/assessment-and-management-of-intra-oral-lacerations?source=search_result&search=traumatismo+de+la+boca&selectedTitle=1~150
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Initial evaluation and management of facial trauma in adults; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/initial-evaluation-and-management-of-facial-trauma-in-adults?source=search_result&search=traumatismo+de+la+boca&selectedTitle=4~150
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Pain in mouth


    Pain in the jaw joint


    Pain increase when chewing


    Mouth bleed


    Inside of the mouth is swollen

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise does not disappear and/or worsens after 1 week
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Continuous bleeding and denture lesions
Reduction in the level of consciousness

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Avoid hot drinks.