Upper lip Frenulum injuries
e.g. a toddler who falls against a piece of furniture…..- Generally, can be treated “expectantly”, without suturing.
- Check for dental or bony damage: particularly “missing” teeth (which can be lost within the adjacent gum or lip).
- X-rays may be required for “missing teeth” or suspected fractures.
- Make sure the child is fully conscious and there is no evidence of a concussional head injury, fractured mid-face or jaw.
- Make sure there are no eye or ear injuries.
- Check for NAI and /or other injuries.
- Advise the parent/s to give over-the-counter analgesia (e.g. Calpol or Nurofen).
- Iced drinks through a straw / semi-liquid foodstuffs can be useful for a few days.
- After initial nursing care / wound toilet, there is probably no indication for further (repeated) local irrigation of the wound.
- Antibiotic cover may be indicated: e.g. Co-Amoxiclav or suitable alternative.
- Discuss with the duty registrar, ANP or consultant, if in doubt, or bring back to a Review Clinic within the next 48 hours.
