Are stitches or skin adhesives needed for cuts and punctures in the mouth?
It is important to determine whether your wound needs to be closed by a doctor. Your risk of infection increases the longer the wound remains open. Most wounds that require closure should be stitched or closed with skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury. A cut or puncture inside your mouth may need stitches if it: • Is deeper than 0.25 in.(7 mm) and has jagged edges, gapes open, or leaves a loose flap of tissue. • Is deeper than 0.25 in.(7 mm) and longer than 0.75 in.(20 mm) when the edges are pulled apart. • Goes all the way through the cheek or lip. • Continues to bleed after 15 minutes of direct pressure. Even a small cut on the lip may be stitched to prevent a scar. If treatment may be needed, do not use an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment until after a health professional has examined the wound.
