Management of Intraoral Lacerations in Children

Initial Assessment and Wound Care

• Immediately assess for child abuse, as trauma affecting the lips, gingiva, tongue, and palate in children younger than 5 years should raise suspicion for non-accidental injury 1

Post-Repair Instructions

• Soft diet for 10 days following the injury, and avoid hard, sharp, or irritating foods that could disrupt healing 2
• Maintain good oral hygiene to optimize healing 2
• Restrict pacifier or digit sucking if applicable for the first 10 days 2

Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Monitor for signs of infection, such as gingival swelling, increased pain, or purulent drainage, and re-evaluate if fever or systemic symptoms occur 2
• Breathing difficulties, though unlikely with isolated intraoral laceration, should prompt urgent re-evaluation 3