A fall, accidental bite, sharp object, or blow to the mouth can injure the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums. Some wounds are shallow, while others are deeper, continue bleeding, or contain a fragment from a broken tooth. Swelling can make the injury difficult to judge, and the teeth or jaw may have been injured even when the soft-tissue wound is the most visible concern.
Assessment looks at the whole event: how it happened, when it occurred, whether bleeding is controlled, and whether there are signs of a head, facial, or dental injury. Gentle first aid may help while care is arranged, but a deep wound or a suspected embedded fragment should not be explored at home. Difficulty breathing, uncontrolled heavy bleeding, or significant head or facial trauma needs urgent medical attention rather than a routine dental appointment.