Even if you wear a protective mouth guard during sports and rigorous activities, it is still possible for a blow to the face to damage your lip, or the other soft tissues of your face. If your lip has been significantly traumatized, you might need to apply some basic first aid while assessing the need to seek professional care.
If you need to clear away any dry blood or stray material, you can gently wipe the area clean with a warm, wet washcloth. If you have blood or other unwanted material in your mouth you can rinse it away with lukewarm saltwater.
If you’re concerned about swelling you can apply a cold compress on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t have a cold compress on hand, you can improvise one by placing crushed ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a washcloth or tea towel.
Lightly pressing some sterile gauze to the wound might be able to help slow or stop the bleed. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after half an hour it likely means the lip injury needs treatment at the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Clinic.
If you live in the Moncks Corner, South Carolina area and you’ve suffered a significant lip injury, that requires further insight, you can call 843-899-5911 to speak with a member of Carolina Avenue Dental Care.