The tissues of the gums, tongue, or cheek lining are vulnerable to accidents like sports injuries, bites, or scalding liquids.

If you have an injury to the soft tissue of your mouth, you should:

• Rinse out your mouth with salt water
• Remove any visible debris
• Contain bleeding by pressing a clean, damp material to the area for about ten to 15 minutes

Injuries and infections of the soft tissue of the mouth may sometimes require immediate attention.

Seek immediate care when:

• you have a gum abscess, a pus-filled sac caused by infection
• You have something lodged in your gums that cannot be easily taken out, as it can cause infection

Seek emergency care if the bleeding doesn’t stop after ten to 15 minutes.