What is the treatment for an oral ulcer caused by accidentally biting the cheek?

Treatment for Oral Ulcers Caused by Accidentally Biting Cheek

For traumatic oral ulcers caused by accidentally biting the cheek, apply white soft paraffin ointment to the affected area every 2 hours to protect and moisturize the wound while using warm saline mouthwashes daily to promote healing. 1

Immediate Management

• Apply white soft paraffin ointment to the affected area every 2 hours to create a protective barrier over the ulcer 1
• Rinse with warm saline mouthwash (salt water) daily to clean the area, reduce bacterial load, and promote healing 1
• Use a mucoprotectant mouthwash (e.g., Gelclair) three times daily to form a protective film over the ulcerated surface 1
• For pain management, apply benzydamine hydrochloride oral rinse or spray every 3 hours, particularly before eating 1

Additional Treatment Options

• For persistent pain, consider topical anesthetic preparations such as viscous lidocaine 2% (15 mL per application) 1
• An antiseptic oral rinse such as 1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouthwash (10 mL twice daily) or 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash (10 mL twice daily) can help prevent secondary infection 1
• Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes as they can cause additional pain and irritation 1

Treatment Algorithm Based on Severity

For Minor Traumatic Ulcers:

• Simple saline rinses and protective ointments are usually sufficient 1, 2
• Most traumatic ulcers heal spontaneously within 7-15 days without scarring 3

For Moderate to Severe Ulcers:

• Add topical anesthetics and antiseptic rinses to the basic treatment 1
• Consider anti-inflammatory oral rinses to reduce inflammation 1
• Ensure adequate pain control to maintain nutrition and hydration 1

When to Seek Further Medical Attention

• If the ulcer persists for more than 2 weeks despite treatment 4
• If there are signs of secondary infection (increased pain, swelling, pus formation) 1
• If the ulcer is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever 2

Important Considerations

• Traumatic ulceration is typically diagnosed by its location and shape corresponding to the traumatic factor 4
• Be vigilant about recurrent cheek biting, which may become a habit, especially in children 5, 6
• Ensure that sharp edges of teeth are not contributing to repeated trauma 4

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Most traumatic oral ulcers heal within 7-15 days 3
• If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reevaluation is necessary to confirm the diagnosis 1
• For recurrent traumatic ulcers, consider behavioral interventions to prevent habitual cheek biting 5, 6