The Facts of Sports-Related Lip Injuries

Types of Lip Injuries and How They’re Treated

Anyone who has played sports knows that a minor injury now and again is not uncommon. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that the majority of sports-related injuries in children affect the mouth area, specifically the maxilla (upper jaw), upper lip, and maxillary incisors. These injuries are common in individuals who play sports, especially those athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. Additionally, lip injuries are the most common oral lacerations kids can experience as a result of playing sports.

Symptoms of Lip Injuries

When a lip injury occurs, there are a few symptoms patients may experience:

• Swelling, which may hide more serious injuries
• Numbness
• Pain
• Bruising, which indicates bleeding occurring under the skin, usually subsiding within 1-2 weeks

How Serious Are Oral Lacerations?

In most cases, oral lacerations and lip injuries are minor, but there are also serious lip injuries as well, which are often more than simple cuts or bruises. Mucosal lacerations are indicative of a cut that goes into the mucous membrane inside of the mouth, which can create a flap that impedes a patient’s ability to chew. Mucosal lacerations can also trap food already in the patient’s mouth. When a lip injury occurs, make sure to keep this possibility in mind since special treatment may be required.

Oral Health Effects from Lip Injuries

A lip injury can have an effect on a patient’s overall oral health in more than one way. Experts suggest that some types of lip injuries can actually change the structure of teeth as well as a patient’s ability to close his or her mouth naturally without doing any additional damage. Also, if the lip injury includes a cut inside of the mouth, it is possible for food particles to build up around the area, which can cause further problems. Oral injuries can include a puncture wound from a patient’s own teeth as well as a direct injury to the teeth upon impact of an object, which can include chipping or the knocking out of a tooth.

Lip Injury Treatments

The severity of an injury determines whether medical attention is required. If the injury is a surface level cut or simple abrasion, simply clean the area with soapy water and a clean cloth. Should the injury be minor and internal, rinse the mouth with salt water or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Any injury that includes excessive swelling, deep lacerations, or punctures is in need of medical attention.

If you or a loved one has a potentially serious lip injury, you can always consult your doctor, and you can also sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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