how to heal a bitten lip inside

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Exercise Daily – How can something so little be so irritating and painful? Cuts within the mouth may occur to anybody at any time. However, how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth is quite challenging.

You may notice swollen lips or flushed cheeks after eating citrus fruits or drinking hot drinks. They may also cause burning while drinking hot beverages. 

Fortunately, since they are so frequent, there are obvious and simple steps that may be taken to assist them in healing. In this article, we’ll go through the reasons why these little injuries may be so painful.

In addition, we will address your concerns about how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth.

Biting your lower lip or tongue is something that generally occurs suddenly. You may just be eating when you make a mistake and bite yourself, causing an injury to yourself. You might potentially bite yourself if you are in a car accident or otherwise injure yourself elsewhere.

Because the mouth contains a plentiful supply of blood, a bite of this kind might result in significant bleeding. The majority of the time, it just causes discomfort and swelling. Because of the abundant blood flow to the mouth, mouth wounds heal rather fast.

However, there are several cases in which biting down on your lip or tongue necessitates seeking medical assistance. In this post, we will talk about the actions you may take at home and when you should seek professional assistance.

Also Read: What Causes Corners of Mouth to Crack?

What causes mouth wounds to occur?

Cuts on the lips, tongue, and interior of the mouth are something that virtually everyone experiences at some point in their lives. As a result, even the tiniest bump or scratch may cause the skin to break in these locations. This is because they are the most delicate on your body. 

You could have received cuts on the inside of your mouth from your teeth cutting into it. Alternatively, you might have damaged your lips from accidently biting down. Some ulcers on the inside of the lips are canker sores or cold sores.

Whatever it is, you must be wondering how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth. Let’s talk more about it.

The majority of incisions on the inner or outer lip are small. A fall or a vehicle collision might result in more severe injuries, such as a facial injury requiring medical attention. It is in these cases that you should contact your dentist to get the wound examined.

To feel or see a wound in your mouth for the first time might be frightening. This is because they tend to bleed more profusely than a cut on another area of your body. 

Because that skin is delicate and sensitive, as well as being near to blood arteries, the quantity of bleeding will be increased. It is critical to maintaining appropriate dental hygiene in this region in order to aid in the healing process.

Symptoms of Mouth Wounds

It may be quite painful to bite the inside of your lip. It often occurs by chance, and it is particularly prevalent in young children. 

It’s possible that you’ll bite the inside of your lip:

  • While driving, eating, or conversing
  • Following a fall, collision, or another mishap while participating in sports
  • While experiencing a seizure due to stress

Despite the fact that the injury might be painful, it is typically not serious enough to need medical treatment. If you ask an expert about how to heal a bitten lip inside, he might suggest self-care. Self-care procedures may be used to treat a small bite that has occurred at home.

How does it feel when you bite the inside of your lower lip?

When you bite the inside of your lip, the teeth push on the skin on the inside of your lip. This may be painful because your lips have a high number of nerve endings, making them very sensitive to pain.

Furthermore, if the bite punctures your skin, you may experience a significant amount of blood loss. This is due to the fact that your lips contain a plentiful flow of blood.

Other signs and symptoms of a bitten lip are as follows:

  • Swelling 
  • Soreness
  • Sensitivity

It may also result in injuries such as the following, depending on the power of the bite such as cuts, pimples, canker sores, and mucocele (mucus-filled cyst), etc.

How to Heal a Bitten Lip Inside Your Mouth?

The following actions should be followed if you have bitten your lip or tongue:

Clean Any Debris

When you bite your lip or tongue, check the area for any debris, especially if the injury was caused by a fall. If there is any debris, clean it with gauze. Using a clean piece of gauze, carefully clean the affected area. 

Remove Any Material (if present)

If there is material lodged within the incision, do not try to remove it. Instead, seek medical attention. Consult with a physician.

Clean the Wound

You may clean the wound even more by rinsing your mouth with salt water afterward. It is also possible for adults to use a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water if they so want. 

Children, on the other hand, should not be given this rinse since they may ingest it.

Control the bleeding

Control any bleeding that may occur. With a clean piece of gauze or a clean cloth, apply hard pressure to the cut to stop the bleeding. When you can’t get the bleeding to stop, keep applying pressure to the area.

Apply a Cold Compress

Immediately after the bleeding has stopped, apply a cold compress to the wound to help minimize the amount of edema.

Prevent Infection

To protect an injury within the mouth from becoming infected, you may use a popsicle to keep the spot cool or place ice cubes inside your mouth.

How to Manage Symptoms of a Bitten Lip?

You may begin taking the following procedures to control symptoms and avoid infection as soon as you get the bite. Let’s get to how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth while managing its symptoms.

Use Salt Water and Rinse

In addition to reducing pain, saltwater may also protect your incision from hazardous microorganisms. 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water, then swirl about in your mouth for 4 minutes, then swallow.

Apply a Cold Compress to the Affected Area

Applying an ice cube to the inside of your lip might help to reduce swelling. Using an ice pack should be wrapped in a clean towel before application.

Take Pain Relievers Available Over-The-Counter (OTC)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, may be used to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling in the joints.

Apply an antibacterial gel to the mouth. An over-the-counter oral antiseptic gel is effective against germs that cause illness. Many of these gels are also effective pain relievers.

Tips to Follow During The Healing Process

Avoid vigorous brushing or flossing in the vicinity of the afflicted region. Do not use mouthwashes containing alcohol, which might cause stinging. The same holds true for meals that are acidic, spicy, crunchy, or extremely salty.

To protect from any braces near the cut, get some orthodontic wax from your local drugstore and spread it over them. This will aid in the prevention of the wound from reopening. 

Other Types of Mouth Injuries & Sores

You may use the same home remedies to heal other forms of oral injuries as well. This article not only speaks of how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth but everything associated with it.

Bitten Tongue or Cheek

A bitten cheek or tongue are both frequent oral injuries that may occur during the following activities:

  • Consuming food
  • Participating in sports
  • Experiencing a fall or collision

Teeth that are not properly aligned might result in a bitten cheek or tongue. Your upper teeth normally prevent you from biting your cheeks, while your lower teeth normally prevent you from biting your tongue. Accidental bites, on the other hand, might result from misalignment.

In addition to the following symptoms at the location of the bite, a bitten face or tongue may also present with the following symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding

To cure a bitten face or tongue, do the following:

  • Use salt water to rinse your mouth.
  • Using an ice cube, apply pressure to the bite or suck on an ice cube to create a tongue bite
  • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
  • To prevent an infection from developing, apply an oral antiseptic gel to the bite

Canker Sores

A canker sore, also known as an aphthous ulcer, is a tiny red sore with a white core that appears on the tongue. Most of the time, it is oval or circular in form. Canker sores may appear on any of the following areas:

  • Inner lips
  • Cheeks
  • Gums
  • Tongue

There are a variety of plausible reasons for these lesions, including lip biting and other mouth injuries. Viral infections, mineral shortages, food allergies, and hormonal changes may contribute to the inside of your lip.

Canker sores may be treated in a variety of ways, including:

  • Rinsing your mouth with saltwater 
  • Placing an ice cube directly on the painful area
  • Pain alleviation with NSAIDs 
  • Administering a topical oral pain medicine to the sore

Top 8 Mouthwashes to Help a Bitten Lip

Maintaining good oral hygiene is super important when it comes to how to heal a bitten lip inside your mouth. One of the best ways is to do so by using a good mouthwash to rinse around in your mouth. 

Some of the best mouthwashes are as follows:

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse (Editor’s Choice)

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This brand was founded by a dentist who specializes in poor breath, taste issues, tonsil stones, and dry mouth. Hence, you can be certain that it is of high quality. 

In addition to battling gingivitis and bad breath, this mixture also aids in the prevention of periodontitis. It is a more advanced type of gum disease that develops when gingivitis is not treated properly. Moreover, it will help in healing a bitten lip.

No alcohol, artificial colors, or flavors are used in the preparation of this product. According to the product’s label, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse includes cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). 

CPC agent has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and has been clinically shown to eliminate bacteria associated to gum disease and other periodontal issues. Hence, when you worry about how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth – this is the solution.

Bottomline

The presence of cetylpyridinium chloride makes this mouthwash the best choice for anyone. The agent is a powerful way to eliminate any bacterial invasion following a bitten lip.

Pros

  • Contains CPC
  • Helps reduce plaque and tartar
  • Lasts long
  • Ethically sourced
  • Dentist formulated
  • Contains no artificial flavors or colors
  • Certified gluten-free and vegan formula

Cons

  • The new formula doesn’t taste good

ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash (Best Budget)

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The clean recipe, which is devoid of artificial coloring chemicals, has received positive feedback from customers. This ACT Mouthwash provides the highest concentration of fluoride available in a rinse form without a prescription from a doctor or dentist. 

Fluoride is a mineral that is beneficial in the prevention of tooth decay. Since it is available at such a modest price, it is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to include in your daily oral hygiene regimen for optimal oral health.

Bottomline

The ACT contains fluoride which is excellent for teeth health. Moreover, the fact that this mouthwash comes in two flavors, the users have more choices. 

Pros

  • Contains fluoride
  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Strengthens tooth enamel
  • Available in mint and cinnamon flavors
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Contains artificial flavors and dyes

Best Alcohol-Free: Listerine Zero Cool Mint Mouthwash

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If you’ve ever used a mouthwash, there’s a good chance it was Listerine. It has been in existence since 1914. Because it is alcohol-free, it is a more comfortable alternative to the company’s conventional antiseptic rinse composition.

Hence, when you think about how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth, Listerine will be the best formula. 

This mouthwash is effective in the treatment of gingivitis and halitosis (also known as bad breath). The usage of FDA-approved chemicals plus formula that won’t burn your tongue make it a worthwhile improvement over the formula you’re probably already using.

Bottomline

If you can’t use mouthwashes because of their burning sensation, this one is the best for you. It can be perfect for use on sores that burn way too much otherwise. 

Pros

  • Refreshing experience
  • Mint formula
  • Alcohol-free mouthwash
  • No burning sensation

Cons

  • Less intense than other alternatives

Best Sensitive: CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash

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The CloSYS Original Mouthwash removes harmful chemicals and colors, leaving just the best behind! It is a recipe formulated specifically for oral health care that is free of filler components. People with sensitive tongues will benefit from this unflavored choice.

In the event that you’re solely interested in alcohol, sulfate, and gluten-free recipe but still want the minty taste you’re used to, you may customize the flavor to your liking with the optional mint flavor dropper that comes with the product. 

When you swirl it about in your mouth, its pH-balanced composition is soothing on your mouth and will not burn while you do so. Hence, next time the first in the checklist for how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth will be this CloSYS mouthwash.

Bottomline

The inclusion of custom flavor with mouthwash is a new concept. The users might really enjoy the experience because of them being able to alter it the way they want. 

Pros

  • No artificial flavors included in the formulation
  • Alcohol-free formula
  • pH balanced composition
  • Sulfate and gluten-free
  • Comes with an additional flavor and dropper

Cons

  • Affects the tastebuds for a long time after use

Best for Dry Mouths: Colgate Hydris Dry Mouth Mouthwash

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It is an unpleasant condition that arises when your salivary glands fail to create enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Hence, it results in a feeling of thirst. Stress, drugs, and smoking may all contribute to this condition. 

Whatever the reason, this Colgate product may assist to moisten your mouth in between brushes by removing excess moisture. According to the packaging, it may provide relief from dry mouth for up to four hours.

If you’re suffering from dry mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options. Reviewers have noted that this formula gives the relief they’ve been searching for. In addition, it provides numerous hours of hydration.

Although many conditions are caused by dry mouth, they may be reversed. You can heal your mouth at home if you take the proper precautions. Even if it’s about how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth, Colgate Hydris will help to soothe the wound. 

Bottomline

You should definitely try this mouthwash if you suffer from frequent mouth dryness. It comes in a hydrating mint flavor, so it will give a refreshing experience after use.

Pros

  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Alleviates mouth dryness
  • Available in mint flavor
  • Includes plant-based ingredients only

Cons

  • Unpleasant taste
  • Numbs tongue 
  • Effective for 20 minutes only

Best for Canker Sores: CankAid Mouth Rinse

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A canker sore may develop as a result of gum inflammation, which can be virtually excruciating if you already have gingivitis. 

If you have a canker sore that is difficult to reach (such as at the back of your mouth between your gums and cheek), swishing with this rinse can assist to provide focused relief to the sore. 

This composition comes in the form of a concentrated powder. All you have to do is mix with water. When mixed with water, it may provide up to 36 ounces of mouthwash. Hence, it is an excellent value for the price.

Bottomline

The fact that it gives immediate comfort and does not induce a burning feeling is best. 

Pros

  • Soothes sores and ulcers
  • Whitens teeth
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Does not come sealed

Listerine Ultraclean Oral Care Antiseptic Mouthwash

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Next on the list of mouthwashes that speak for how to heal a bitten lip inside is Listerine Ultraclean oral care mouthwash. 

Swishing your tongue for 30 seconds with a mouthwash might be tedious. However, with this mouthwash’s crisp citrus flavor, it tastes more like a dessert than a dental medication. 

Gum disease and gingivitis may be prevented by brushing your teeth twice a day with mouthwash. This one-of-a-kind taste may be difficult to come by on store shelves. So, stock up on it the next time you’re shopping online! 

It also has that fresh and clean feeling that you normally only get after going to the dentist. You might not get the nasty aftertaste or persistent burning sensation that you get with other products.

Bottomline

If you can stand strong mouthwashes, and want one, you should go for this. It gives 24 hours protection from bacteria and other germs in the mouth.

Pros

  • Fights tartar buildup
  • Kills 99.9% of germs
  • Citrus flavor

Cons

  • Very intense
  • Does not taste good

Best Whitening: Crest 3D White Brilliance Alcohol-Free Whitening Mouthwash

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This product has a guarantee of noticing a whiter smile after just seven days. This alcohol-free formula also excludes peroxide, so there’s no unnecessary foaming action. It’s just high-quality ingredients that clean your gums and whiten your smile at the same time. 

The fun fact is that it’s alcohol-free. With American Dental Association-approved ingredients and a fast-acting stain-removing power, this is one you can trust on how to heal a bitten lip inside. This rinse is a great way to knock off multiple dental issues with one rinse. 

Bottomline

Crest 3D Whitening mouthwash not only helps in cleaning the mouth but also gives whiter teeth and a brighter smile.

Pros

  • No peroxide foaming
  • Alcohol-free formula

Cons

  • Does not give the claimed whitening action

Which Mouthwash Is the Most Beneficial for You?

Which mouthwash should I be using is arguably the most often asked question that dentists get. The solution is often dependent on your specific requirements. 

Although most people think of mouthwash as a breath freshener or a way to avoid bad breath, it may also be used to treat other conditions such as bleeding gums and dental decay, as well as to whiten teeth.

One common myth is that mouthwash may eliminate plaque from your teeth and gums. This is just not true. 

Mouthwash swishing may have an antibacterial effect, but it will not eliminate plaque on its own, thus it should never be used in lieu of brushing and flossing. So the question of how to heal a bitten lip inside is well answered by mouthwash use.

Before using any mouthwash, you should consider the following:

  • Identify the key purpose for taking mouthwash and write it down. 
  • Is it for the purpose of treating an illness or merely preventing dental disease?
  • Consult your dentist for further information. 
  • Before taking a mouthwash, you should first seek medical attention for your ailment.
  • Take a close look at the label
  • Be as thorough as possible in your research about the product’s ingredients.

Types of Mouthwashes

Alcohol Containing Mouthwash

Alcohol is one of the most often used substances in mouthwashes. Although it is believed that alcohol kills germs that cause illnesses in the mouth, the alcohol in mouthwash is not the active element in the product. 

Alcohol is added in order to aid in the diffusion of other active substances, such as essential oils. The majority of alcohol-based mouthwashes are intended to freshen breath while also combating bleeding gums and gum disease.

The presence of certain kinds of bacteria in the mouth is the cause of bleeding gums and poor smell. The difficulty is that little is known about the exact mechanism of action that alcohol has on these organisms and how it works. 

Most people assume that alcohol breaks bacterial cell walls. However, no one knows for certain if it is useful against the germs that cause gum disease and foul breath. When working on how to heal a bitten lip inside the mouth, don’t use alcoholic mouthwashes.

Alcohol mouthwash has sparked significant concern due to the possibility that its alcoholic content might be a risk factor for oral cancer. Consuming alcoholic beverages makes the mouth’s cells more sensitive to cancer-causing chemicals.

When alcohol is broken down, the substance produced is acetaldehyde, which is a proven carcinogen in humans. There may be brief negative effects from using alcoholic mouthwash, including the following:

  • Taste disturbances
  • Teeth staining
  • Dry mouth
  • Foul breath

Because they dry out the mouth more than other mouthwashes, alcohol-containing mouthwashes may exacerbate dry mouth and halitosis. It is possible to have soreness, ulcerations, and redness.

Make every effort to avoid using alcoholic mouthwashes. They are not especially useful in the treatment of gum disease or foul breath, and they may even increase the chance of developing oral cancer in certain cases.

Chlorhexidine Containing Mouthwash

Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial compound that is used as an active component in certain mouthwash brands to kill microorganisms. It is an antibiotic with a wide range of activities. It is particularly effective against bacteria that cause gum disease.

Dentists do sometimes use chlorhexidine mouthwash to treat patients who are suffering from gum disease. It reduces inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria. Hence, if you ask a dentist how to heal a bitten lip inside, he might most likely recommend these mouthwashes.

One source of worry is that chlorhexidine may not be as efficient as it should be against the specific germs that cause foul breath.

The use of chlorhexidine mouthwash for an extended period of time has been linked to swelling of the teeth and tongue. It may also produce a dry mouth as a result of altering or decreasing taste. 

Some individuals may see an increase in the accumulation of tooth tartar as a result of this treatment. It is possible that this is linked to changes in oral microorganisms. It may also interact with the components in toothpaste, thus it should always be used in a separate container.

Fluoride Containing Mouthwash

Mouthwash with Fluoride Many forms of mouthwash includes fluoride, which may assist to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride has been demonstrated to be useful in reducing tooth decay, with dental deterioration reduced by five to fifty percent when fluoride is used.

However, it should only be used in the most serious of situations.

Hydrogen Peroxide Containing Mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide is the active chemical used in the majority of cleaning products used in the home. Because of its oxidizing chemical activity, it possesses a broad range of anti-microbial characteristics. 

Oxidation causes bacterial cells to get damaged and die. It is well known that hydrogen peroxide may cause damage to the cells of the tooth pulp.

It has the potential to cause the tooth nerves to get infected and die as a result (called pulpitis). Make every effort to avoid using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to heal a bitten lip inside?

If the bite is not too deep, it should heal on its own within two to three days. You can speed up the healing process by taking vitamin C and B complex pills orally. 

You may use a mouth ulcer gel that is readily available in your region to relax and numb the area 15 minutes before you eat or drink if eating or drinking is painful.

What happens if you bite your inner lip?

When you bite the inside of your lip, the teeth push on the skin on the inside of your lip. This may be painful because your lips have a high number of nerve endings, making them very sensitive to pain. 

Furthermore, if the bite punctures your skin, you may experience a significant amount of blood.

How do you heal an open wound on your lip?

  • After a meal, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to remove any leftover food particles. Saltwater rinses may be beneficial in the healing process.
  • Soft meals that are simple to swallow should be consumed.
  • Foods that may sting should be avoided.
  • If you’re experiencing oral discomfort, try using a topical medication.

Do cuts in mouth turn white when healing?

Yes, it’s normal for a healing wound in the mouth to be white.

What does a lip infection look like?

Candidiasis may cause cracking and redness around the corners of the mouth when the lips are afflicted. This kind of cracking is referred to as cheilosis or cheilitis. The yeast Candida may potentially cause an infection in the mouth itself. 

Additionally, white spots might develop on the insides of the cheeks or on the tongue.

Conclusion

Injuries to the mouth are prevalent, and one of the most common is biting the inside of your lip. Pain, blood, and edema may result after a dog bite, depending on the severity of the attack.

The majority of the time it’s not hard how to heal a bitten lip inside, you can cure a little bitten lip at home. To stop the bleeding, rinse the area with cold water and apply pressure with a clean gauze bandage over it. You may also take a sip of cold water to help minimise edema.

If the bleeding from your lip bite does not stop, get medical attention. Alternatively, if you are experiencing signs of an infection or if your pain is becoming worse, you should see a doctor.

If your injury is the result of a big accident or a catastrophic fall, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Your oral health has an impact on more than just your teeth. Dental hygiene is important. It is possible that poor oral and dental health will lead to problems with your self-esteem, speech, and nutrition.