Blood Blisters on the Inside of the Cheek: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Blood blisters inside the cheek can be alarming when you notice them suddenly. But these small sores are usually harmless and quite common. What causes these annoying blisters to form inside the mouth? And how can you get rid of them more quickly?
Below we’ll explore the common causes of blood blisters on the inner cheek lining. We’ll also provide tips to ease discomfort, speed healing, and prevent recurrences of these mouth pimples.
What is a Blood Blister on the Inside of the Cheek?
A blood blister refers to a raised bump or lesion that forms when blood vessels under the skin surface get damaged. The injured capillaries leak blood and fluid that pools below the outer layer of skin, forming a visible blister.
Inside the mouth, the moist inner cheek lining is vulnerable to friction that can lead to blood blister formation. Cheek blisters contain reddish fluid, giving them the name blood blisters.
Blood blisters inside the mouth tend to be small, averaging 1-3mm in size. The overlying skin may appear red or purplish around the lesion. While alarming in appearance, these blisters are medically harmless.
Common Causes and Locations
What leads to these bothersome bumps forming inside the mouth? Here are the most common underlying causes:
- Accidental biting/injury: Biting the inside of the cheek is a common cause. Forceful chewing or talking while eating can result in biting the soft tissue.
- Irritation from sharp teeth: Rough teeth edges or dental work like braces or retainers can continuously rub the inside of the cheek.
- Burns: Hot foods and beverages can burn the thin cheek skin, resulting in a blister.
- Friction from dentures: Ill-fitting dentures that rub on the gums and cheek lining may produce blisters.
- Canker sores: Canker sores are ulcers that can form blood blisters around their edges.
- Viral infections: Hand, foot and mouth disease features painful blisters including inside the cheek.
- Stress: Increased anxiety and teeth grinding associated with stress can contribute to cheek biting.
The most common location is along or near the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of the teeth. But blisters can appear anywhere on the inside lining of the cheek where repeated friction occurs.
Are Blood Blisters on the Cheek Dangerous?
While the red blisters may look concerning, they are not medically dangerous in themselves. The fluid inside blood blisters is simply plasma from broken capillaries and white blood cells.
However, blood blisters could represent an underlying dental issue that should be evaluated. Frequent reoccurrences may signal problems like:
- Misaligned bite
- Teeth grinding
- Oral infection
- Vitamin deficiency
- Immune disorder
See your dentist promptly if mouth blisters keep coming back or you experience worrisome symptoms like fever, swelling, or pain spreading to the face or neck. This could indicate a deeper infection or abscess requiring antibiotics.
Blood Blister on Inside of Lip vs Cheek
Blood blisters can occur not only on the inside cheeks but also on the inner lips. Lip blisters form through similar mechanisms of biting, burns or friction.
Blisters on the lips tend to be more painful as this skin is more sensitive. However, they usually heal faster than cheek blisters since the lips can stay moist with saliva, whereas the cheeks dry out.
No matter the location, applying the same first aid tips can help treat these annoying mouth pimples.
Blood Blister Treatment and Relief
How should you treat a blood blister inside the cheek? Here are some effective remedies:
- Rinse with saltwater: Swish with warm salt water to keep it clean.
- Avoid irritation: Prevent further friction by not chewing on that side.
- Try soothing gels: Products like Orajel can temporarily numb discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve soreness.
- Boost healing: Apply vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel to speed cell repair.
- Warm compress: Holding a warm cloth on it can encourage drainage.
- See a dentist: Have them smooth any sharp teeth causing recurring blisters.
While tempting, avoid popping blood blisters in the mouth. This can lead to infection and delay healing. Most will drain and disappear on their own within a week or two.
How Long Does a Blood Blister on the Cheek Last?
If left alone, a typical blood blister on the inside of the cheek goes through the following stages:
- Days 1-2: Blister starts off tense and painful. The overlying skin appears either red or deep purple.
- Days 3-4: Fluid collects and bubble inflates more. Pain may worsen as the blister expands.
- Days 5-7: Blister naturally releases fluid and begins shrinking. Soreness starts easing.
- Days 7-10: Deflated blister continues flattening out and healing. A faint red or white spot remains.
- Days 10-14: Fully resolved with minimal or no scarring on the inner cheek lining.
Blood blisters inside the mouth tend to rupture faster than blisters on hands or feet. The continuous moisture weakens the overlying skin. Most clear within 7-14 days without intervention.
Preventing Blood Blisters on the Inside of the Cheek
To avoid recurring annoying blisters, try these preventive tips:
- Rinse your mouth before and after eating.
- Brush your teeth after meals.
- Wear a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth.
- Monitor foods to identify abrasive culprits like chips, toast, nuts.
- Avoid very hot, crunchy or acidic foods.
- Get oral irritations treated promptly by a dentist.
- Take vitamins to promote faster oral healing.
- Use orthodontic wax to smooth sharp braces edges.
Pay attention while eating and talking to prevent accidentally biting the insides of your mouth. Slow down vigorous chewing. Also see your dentist twice yearly to maintain healthy teeth and catch problems early.
When to See Your Dentist About Inner Cheek Blisters
In most cases, blood blisters on the inside of the cheek clear up on their own. But you should make an appointment promptly if:
- The blister enlarges or persists longer than 2 weeks
- Symptoms like fever, jaw swelling, or pus occur
- Pain becomes severe and interferes with eating/sleeping
- Blisters keep recurring in the same area
Your dentist can evaluate for underlying causes like misaligned bite, vitamin deficiency, infection or immune disorders. Prompt treatment of any dental issues can prevent further blisters.
When to See Your Doctor
See your physician right away if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Fatigue, weight loss or appetite changes
- Persistent sore throat and neck pain
- Fever over 101 F
- Numbness in parts of mouth or face
- Blisters spreading to face, lips, gums or tongue
These may indicate a serious oral infection or abscess requiring antibiotics. Or in rare cases, an immune blistering disorder requiring lab tests and treatment.
The Bottom Line on Blood Blisters on Inside of Cheek
Discovering a blood blister on the inside of your cheek can certainly get your attention. But try not to worry - these harmless pimples are common and short-lived.
With some simple first aid and paying attention while eating, most resolve within 7-14 days. Prevent recurrences by having any dental issues treated promptly. And see a doctor for worsening symptoms.
While a nuisance, blood blisters in the mouth are typically no cause for concern. Give it time to heal and you'll soon forget it was even there!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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