What Causes Blood Blisters on Gums? Treatment Tips and When to See a Dentist

What Causes Blood Blisters on the Gums?

Seeing a blood blister on your gums can be alarming. But in most cases, these small sores are harmless and heal on their own. Identifying what's causing the blood blister is key to getting the right treatment and preventing further irritation.

A gum blister filled with blood is also known as a hematoma. This occurs when trauma to the soft tissues of the gums allows blood to pool and clot under the surface. The excess pressure causes a reddish blister to form.

Common Causes of Blood Blisters on Gums

Some of the most frequent sources of blood blisters in the mouth include:

• Injury - Direct trauma like biting the inside of your cheek or lip can damage the gums and cause a blister filled with blood.
• Oral hygiene - Excessive scrubbing and flossing can create irritation. Bleeding problems also increase the risk.
• Braces - The constant friction of dental braces can lead to blisters and sores on the gums.
• Dentures - Ill-fitting dentures that rub and poke the gums often cause pain and blistering.
• Burns - Hot foods or drinks can scald the inside of the mouth, including the gums.
• Canker sores - Mouth ulcers that form on the gums may fill with blood as they erode the tissue.

Are Blood Blisters on Gums Serious?

In most cases, blood blisters that form on the gums are harmless and heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. Proper oral hygiene is important to allow the lesion to close up and prevent infection.

However, there are some instances when a blood blister or sore on the gums could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical care. See your dentist right away if you experience:

• Severe pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Prolonged bleeding
• Lesions that worsen or don't heal
• Numbness in the mouth or face

These symptoms could point to complex dental issues, blood disorders, viral infections, or even oral cancer in some cases. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Treating Blood Blisters on the Gums at Home

If you develop a red, raised blister on your gums filled with blood, try the following self-care tips to promote healing:

1. Rinse with Saltwater

Gently swish and gargle with warm saltwater 2-3 times per day. This helps draw out fluid, reduces inflammation, and keeps the area clean while it heals.

2. Apply Cold Compress

Place an ice cube or cold compress against the outside of your mouth near the blister to minimize pain and swelling.

3. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can relieve discomfort. Follow dosage instructions on the bottle.

4. Try Healing Ointments

Apply a small amount of benzocaine numbing gel or an ointment containing benzocaine, menthol, or glycerin to the blister for temporary symptom relief.

5. Eat Soft Foods

Stick to a soft diet to avoid irritating the blister while eating. Things like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, applesauce, and protein shakes are good options.

6. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Continue brushing and flossing normally but be extra gentle around the blistered area. This promotes healing and prevents complications.

When to See a Dentist for Blood Blisters on Gums

It's smart to have a dentist evaluate any blood blister or sore on the gums that:

• Does not heal within 2 weeks
• Is very painful
• Bleeds excessively when bumped
• Spreads or becomes larger
• Contains pus

This could indicate a more problematic source of the blister besides minor injury, including:

Abscess

A bacterial infection in the mouth often causes a pocket of pus to form. The resulting abscess on the gums can lead to blistering and severe pain.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

This contagious viral infection causes sores and blisters to erupt throughout the mouth, including the gums. It's most common in children.

Oral Cancer

In very rare cases, unexplained bleeding from gum blisters could potentially result from the development of oral cancer. Other symptoms like numbness and trouble swallowing may also be present.

Seeking professional treatment is crucial for correctly diagnosing and properly managing more serious sources of blood blisters on the gums.

Medical Treatments for Blood Blisters on Gums

If home care doesn't resolve a gum blister after a couple weeks, a dentist can provide specialized treatment. Possible options may include:

Medications

Prescription antibiotic rinses, ointments, or pills may be used to clear up bacterial infections causing blood blisters.

Debridement

A dentist can numb the area and use an instrument to open and drain any blisters filled with pus or fluid.

Biopsy

If oral cancer is suspected, a small sample of the blistered tissue may be collected and sent for analysis.

Surgery

For severe abscesses, oral surgery is sometimes necessary to lance and drain accumulated pus from the gums.

Dental Splint

Wearing a dental splint can redistribute pressure and friction caused by incorrect bite alignment that leads to blisters.

Denture Adjustments

Ill-fitting dentures can be adjusted and relined to prevent rubbing and irritation to the gums.

Following your dentist's advice is crucial for properly treating any underlying cause of a stubborn blood blister on the gum tissue.

Are Blood Blisters on Gums Contagious?

In most cases, blood blisters themselves are not contagious. Biting your cheek, dental irritation, or eating hot foods will only affect you. However, some infections or viruses that can cause blisters and sores on the gums are contagious.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Oral herpes is a viral infection transmitted through direct contact that causes recurrent blisters and cold sores. These fluid-filled lesions can occur on the gums.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

This common childhood illness leads to mouth sores and is very contagious. Blisters on the gums and inner cheeks are trademark symptoms.

Strep Throat

Strep bacteria can spread through saliva and sometimes trigger painful canker sores or blisters on the gums.

Practicing good hygiene habits can help protect against contracting contagious viruses and infections that may end up causing blood blisters in the mouth.

Can Braces Cause Blood Blisters on Gums?

It's very common to develop canker sores, cuts, and irritation on the gums after getting braces. The constant friction and pressure on the soft gum tissue allows blood blisters to easily form.

Braces complications that can specifically cause blood blisters on the gums include:

• Poking wire
• Rubbing brackets
• Protruding components
• Recent adjustments
• Elastic bands

The best way to prevent blood blisters with braces is maintaining excellent oral hygiene and using orthodontic wax to cover any areas causing irritation. See your orthodontist promptly if a blister develops so adjustments can be made.

Caring for Blood Blisters Caused by Braces

If braces cause a blood blister to develop on your gums, use the following tips in addition to your dentist's advice:

• Rinse with saltwater and avoid very hot or cold liquids
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine as needed
• Eat soft foods until it heals
• Apply orthodontic wax to minimize friction
• Avoid picking at the blister

Proper oral hygiene is also key. Use specialized tools to carefully brush around braces and prevent food buildup around blood blisters while they heal.

Blood Blister on Gums from Grinding Teeth

Excessive teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, can sometimes lead to blood blisters forming on the gums. Symptoms include:

• Sore, tender gums
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Face/jaw pain
• Headaches
• Difficulty chewing

The constant pressure and friction wears down tooth enamel and irritates the gums. This allows blood to pool under the surface, creating blisters.

Preventing Blood Blisters from Bruxism

Seeing your dentist for an evaluation is important if you suspect nighttime teeth grinding. Treatment options that can help minimize blisters and damage to the gums include:

• Occlusal guard or night guard
• Botox injections in the jaw
• Dental repair for worn teeth
• Physical therapy for jaw exercises
• Prescription muscle relaxants
• Stress reduction techniques

Making lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol before bed, establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine, and stopping caffeine intake several hours before sleep may also alleviate grinding.

Blood Blister on Gums after Oral Surgery

It's common for blood blisters to develop on the gums after oral surgery procedures like tooth extractions, implants, or gum grafting. This occurs due to:

• Surgical incisions
• Tissue inflammation
• Sutures pressing on gums
• Side effects of anesthesia

Blood blisters after oral surgery are normal and generally clear up within a couple weeks as the gums heal. But notify your dentist if any worrisome symptoms arise.

Caring for Blood Blisters after Oral Surgery

Proper aftercare can help blood blisters resolve faster and prevent complications. Be sure to:

• Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers
• Rinse mouth gently with saltwater
• Follow post-op dietary instructions
• Avoid disturbing surgical site
• Keep follow-up appointments for suture removal

Avoid vigorous swishing, spitting, drinking with a straw, smoking, or other activities that create excessive pressure in your mouth after oral surgery while blood blisters are healing.

Blood Blister on Gums from New Dentures

One of the most common causes of blood blisters on the gums is wearing new dentures. Issues that create friction and irritation leading to blisters include:

• Improper fit
• Poor placement
• Rough edges
• Misaligned bite
• Weak adhesive

This often occurs as you adjust to the new dentures. But recurrent blood blisters from dentures that don't resolve can signify an underlying problem requiring correction.

Preventing Blood Blisters from New Dentures

You can help minimize blood blisters while adjusting to new dentures by:

• Starting with partial dentures first
• Using cushioned adhesive and dental paste
• Rinsing with saltwater before inserting
• Avoiding denture powders/pastes with alcohol
• Lining blisters with orthodontic wax

But see your dentist promptly if blisters persist or worsen. Proper realignment and refitting of the dentures is key for preventing further blood blisters on the gums.

When to Worry About Blood Blisters on Gums

In most cases, blood blisters on the gums are harmless and resolve within 7-14 days. However, contact your dentist right away if you notice:

• Severe pain
• Redness and swelling
• Pus or discharge
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Fatigue or body aches
• Prolonged bleeding

These could be signs of an underlying dental abscess, viral infection, or other concern requiring immediate treatment. Seek emergency care if the blister makes it very difficult to drink liquids or swallow.

While normally short-lived, blood blisters on the gums should never be ignored or left untreated for an extended period of time. Getting evaluated quickly can help prevent complications and long-term issues.

Can You Pop a Blood Blister on Your Gum?

It's best not to pop a blood blister on your gums. The lesion needs to heal naturally to prevent infection and further irritation. Avoid tempting as it might be, try not to touch, pick at, poke, or deliberately rupture the blister.

If the blister pops on its own, gently rinse your mouth with saltwater to keep the area clean while it heals. An over-the-counter topical anesthetic medication can provide temporary pain relief.

See your dentist right away if a popped blood blister worsens or shows any signs of infection like pus, redness, swelling, or fever. Proper treatment is needed to avoid complications.

Can You Pop a Blood Blister on Your Gum?

It's best not to pop a blood blister on your gums. The lesion needs to heal naturally to prevent infection and further irritation. Avoid tempting as it might be, try not to touch, pick at, poke, or deliberately rupture the blister.

If the blister pops on its own, gently rinse your mouth with saltwater to keep the area clean while it heals. An over-the-counter topical anesthetic medication can provide temporary pain relief.

See your dentist right away if a popped blood blister worsens or shows any signs of infection like pus, redness, swelling, or fever. Proper treatment is needed to avoid complications.

Do Blood Blisters on Gums Go Away on Their Own?

In most cases, blood blisters on the gums will disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks. Proper oral hygiene and avoiding irritation to the area allows minor

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.