Getting minor scrapes and bruises is not as alarming as noticing a cut on your gums. It can be terrifying and make you question your oral health. Believe it or not, gum cuts are not as uncommon as one might think. Learn the causes and treatments of the scrapes on your gums in this blog.
Why do I have a Cut on My Gums?
A cut on your gums might be a result of any of the following reasons:
- Falling
- Injury
- Prodding your mouth with toothpicks or other sharp objects
- Flossing aggressively in an improper manner
- Brushing aggressively
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Symptoms of Gum Cuts
A gum cut will usually bleed a lot, as this area has ample blood supply. Even a minor cut might cause bleeding. Moreover, slight changes to the gum’s appearance might occur. Like:
- Red and swollen gums at first, turning white as they heal.
- Gums will look larger than usual. Plus, they’ll feel more swollen, tender, and sore.
- Pus from the cut might indicate an infection. You’ll also experience fever, pain, and redness, among other signs.
Treating Cut on Gums
Although a cut on gums usually heals on its own, these might help speed up the process:
1. Stop the Bleeding
Getting the bleeding to stop should be your first priority. Take a clean cloth or paper towel and lightly press it against your gums for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, wash your mouth with cool water to get rid of any debris sticking to the cut.
2. Try Saltwater Rinses
A gum cut is susceptible to infection. To avoid an infection, try rising with a salt-water rinse throughout the day. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a warm cup of water to make the solution. After that, swish it in your mouth and rinse the cut for several seconds. Try this rinse, especially after meals.
3. Temporary Diet Changes
Hot, spicy, and citrus-based foods can irritate the gum cut further. Therefore, stick to a soft diet until the cut heals. Sucking on something cold like ice cubes and popsicles might help soothe the discomfort too.
4. Cold Compress
Cold compresses can aid in alleviating the symptoms. Take a soft cloth and damp it with clean, cool water. Next, apply the soft cloth to the gum cut for around 20 minutes. This might provide some relief to the affected area.
5. Medications
A cut on gums can bring discomfort and pain, but OTC pain medications can be beneficial. They’ll be helpful in soothing mild discomfort or pain that occurs due to the cuts. Before taking any medications, ask your dentist for suggestions.
6. Clinical Treatments
Although it is rare, some gum cuts might not stop bleeding. In this case, visit your periodontist or dentist, as the cut might require stitches. The stitches will either dissolve themselves or need to be removed by the dentist within a week.
If your cut has become infected, the dentist might recommend oral antibiotics. If this happens, don’t skip your prescriptions just because it seems to be healing. Complete the antibiotics course for proper healing.
The Final Takeaway
A cut on gums might be alarming, but it usually heals on its own. Just keep the area clean and stick to what we have mentioned above. If you have an infection, or it won’t stop bleeding, contact a dentist like our experts at Gateway Family Dentistry. We are just a few digits away at 661-829-7905; always looking forward to helping you.