IMPORTANT HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

LIP BITING AFTER DENTAL ANESTHESIA

After dental treatment, your child's lips, cheeks, and tongue may remain numb for several hours. Because they cannot feel these areas normally, children may accidentally bite, chew, or suck on them, causing injury.

PREVENTING LIP BITING

  • Closely supervise your child until the numbness has completely worn off.
  • Remind your child not to chew, suck, or play with their lips, cheeks, or tongue.
  • Offer soft foods only after treatment.
  • Avoid chewing until normal feeling returns.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

  • Mild swelling of the lip or cheek.
  • Redness or irritation where the lip was bitten.
  • Mild discomfort once the numbness wears off.
  • Most minor injuries heal on their own within several days.

IF LIP BITING OCCURS

  • Keep the area clean.
  • Encourage your child not to touch or pick at the area.
  • A cold compress on the outside of the face may help reduce swelling.
  • Soft foods and plenty of fluids are recommended.

CALL OUR OFFICE IF

  • Swelling continues to increase after 48 hours.
  • Your child develops fever.
  • There is excessive pain or difficulty eating or drinking.
  • You are concerned about the appearance of the injury.

Most lip biting injuries heal without treatment. Careful supervision while your child is numb is the best way to prevent injury.