Stitches placed inside the mouth usually dissolve on their own, according to the University of Minnesota. Lacerations on or around the mouth rarely take longer than five days to heal on their own, but if the stitches reopen in less than three days, return to a doctor. If the stitches remain after five days, have them removed to prevent permanent marks from being left behind.
Signs of infection include fever, increasing pain, swelling, redness or bleeding. If any of these occur, the University of Minnesota recommends seeking medical care. Always clean the mouth after eating to help prevent infection, either by rinsing the mouth out with a water and hydrogen peroxide solution or applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the area.
The Seattle Children's Hospital doesn't recommend using stitches on every mouth injury. As long as the edges come together, the cut should heal on its own quickly. However, if bleeding is persistent or is on the tonsils, soft palate or throat, the injury can be serious and require more direct care.
