From the Research
For a lip laceration, I recommend gargling with warm salt water 3-4 times per day for 5-7 days or until the wound has healed. This recommendation is based on general medical knowledge and the principles of wound care, as the provided studies do not directly address the frequency and duration of salt water gargling for lip lacerations. The salt water solution helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, decreases inflammation, and promotes healing by creating an environment that's less hospitable to microorganisms 1, 2. It also helps remove food particles that might irritate the wound.
While using the salt water rinse, it is essential to avoid spicy, acidic, or hard foods that could irritate the laceration, and not use alcohol-based mouthwashes as they may cause discomfort and delay healing. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, pus, or if the wound doesn't show improvement after a week, seek medical attention as you may need antibiotics or other treatment. The management of lip lacerations requires consideration of the wound's location, size, and depth, as well as the patient's overall health status, as discussed in studies on lip infections and lacerations 3, 4, 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study that directly addresses the management of lip lacerations is not available in the provided evidence, so this recommendation is based on general principles of wound care.