Mouth Injury

Mouth Injuries in Children

Mouth injuries in children can range from minor bruising and cuts to more serious injuries involving the teeth, lips, gums or internal structures of the mouth.

In some cases, these injuries may raise safeguarding concerns and lead to involvement from medical professionals or children’s services, particularly where:

• The explanation for the injury is unclear or inconsistent
• The injury appears unusual for the child’s age or development
• There are concerns about possible physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect

For this reason, mouth injuries are often carefully assessed to determine how they may have occurred.

Types of Mouth Injuries

Mouth injuries may include:

• Bruising around the lips or mouth
• Cuts or tears inside the mouth
• Damage to teeth or gums
• Bleeding within the mouth
• Burns caused by hot substances
• Injuries to the frenulum (the small folds of tissue inside the mouth)

Where a child is believed to have been forced to consume a hot liquid or substance, professionals may also look for evidence of burn injuries within the mouth.

Dental Injuries and Safeguarding Concerns

If a child suffers damage to one or more teeth, the dentist or medical professional examining the child will usually ask questions about how the injury happened, when it occurred and whether the explanation matches the injury observed.

Dentists and healthcare professionals have a safeguarding duty and may refer concerns to children’s services if they believe an injury could have been caused by abuse or neglect.

Torn Frenulum Injuries

A torn frenulum is an injury sometimes associated with safeguarding investigations.

The mouth contains three main frenula under the tongue, inside the upper lip and inside the lower lip.

These tissues are relatively protected within the mouth, meaning injuries to them may attract medical attention and further investigation.

During medical examinations, professionals will often check whether the frenula are intact, and it is common to see notes such as ‘frenulum intact’ recorded in medical records where no injury is present.

Can Torn Frenulums Occur Accidentally?

Yes. While torn frenulum injuries may raise concerns, they are not always caused by abuse.

Injuries can sometimes occur accidentally through falls, accidental knocks to the mouth, feeding accidents in younger children and normal childhood play or activity.

Medical professionals must carefully assess the injury in the context of the child’s age and development, the explanation provided and any additional injuries or concerns.

Why These Injuries Are Investigated

Healthcare professionals are trained to consider whether mouth injuries could have resulted from a blow to the mouth, forceful feeding, an object being pushed into the mouth or neglect or lack of supervision.

However, every case must be considered on its own facts, and injuries should always be assessed carefully before conclusions are reached.

Getting Legal Advice

If children’s services are investigating injuries to your child, it is important to seek specialist legal advice as early as possible.

Early advice can help ensure that the medical evidence is properly reviewed, alternative explanations are fully considered, and your position as a parent is clearly represented.

Speak to a Care Proceedings Solicitor

If you are facing allegations relating to injuries to your child, our experienced solicitors can provide clear advice and support throughout the process.

Contact us today for confidential advice.