18 month old daughter fell and cut the inside of her lip, is there something we can use to help healing and keep it clean to prevent infection. thanks in advance?

PEDIATRICIAN: It would be best to take your daughter to a Pediatrician Doctor who can examine her lip and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you can't locate a Doctor, go to the Emergency Room at your hospital. If you don't have transportation call the police department to get an ambulance to take you.

Cut inside lip: The best treatment in keeping it clean in a young toddler is putting saline on a gauze and wiping area twice a day. Have her suck on popsicles for pain relief. Oral mucosal tears/cuts heal quickly, usually 48-72 hours. Continue usual oral hygiene, but skip the toothpaste for a few days to prevent irritating the area.

Depth of cut: If the laceration is through the lip, you must see the acute care center for wound management. If the cut is minor, then keeping the area clean and as dry as possible will promote wound healing. Tetanus vaccination should be up to date. If the cut involved a fragment of glass, an examination is indicated. Apply a cool compress and use children's Tylenol for relief of pain.