Understanding Blood Blisters in Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Understanding Blood Blisters in the Mouth

Blood blisters in the mouth can be alarming when you first notice them. However, they are usually harmless and go away on their own within a week or two. Knowing what causes them and how to find relief can help you deal with these painful spots until they heal.

What Is a Blood Blister in the Mouth?

A blood blister is a small, fluid-filled bump that forms when blood vessels under the skin surface get damaged. The body responds by having the walls of nearby cells stick together to create a protective layer. This forms a round, raised sore filled with a clear fluid tinted reddish by blood.

Blood blisters can occur anywhere on the body but are especially common inside the mouth. Areas like the inner lips, cheeks, gums, palate, and tongue frequently sustain minor injuries that trigger blood blister formation.

What Causes Blood Blisters in the Mouth?

There are several potential causes of blood blisters in the mouth:

• Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or tongue
• Burns from hot drinks or foods
• Canker sores
• Ill-fitting dentures or braces rubbing the gums
• Injury from sharp foods like chips, crackers, or pizza crusts
• Sports injuries where the mouth gets hit

While annoying, these minor wounds normally heal quickly without treatment. The blood blister forms a protective cover so the damaged tissue underneath can repair itself.

Blood Blister Symptoms

The most common blood blister symptoms include:

• A round, pimple-like bump on the inner cheek, lip, gums, tongue, or other mouth tissue
• Filled with a clear or blood-tinged fluid
• Mild to severe pain and soreness at the site
• Tenderness when touched

Sometimes a blood blister in the mouth will also cause:

• Difficulty talking or eating due to irritation
• Increased saliva production as the body tries to soothe the area
• Swelling in nearby cheek or gum tissues

Treating Blood Blisters in Mouth at Home

The good news about blood blisters in the mouth is that they typically heal on their own. Here is how to find relief and speed healing:

Avoid Irritating the Blister

Try not to bite, chew, or talk excessively to prevent further irritating the blister. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, or crunchy foods that could cause more pain and inflammation.

Apply a Cold Compress

Icing the area for 10 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and discomfort. Wrap an ice cube or cold pack in a paper towel or cloth and gently press onto the blood blister for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can temporarily relieve pain in the area. Use medications as directed on the package labeling.

Try Oral Care Products for Irritated Mouths

Look for oral care rinses, gels, or sprays formulated for canker sores or irritation. Many contain active ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine to numb pain locally.

When to See Your Dentist or Doctor

While blood blisters normally resolve without treatment, see a medical professional right away if yours:

• Does not start to improve within 10-14 days
• Gets bigger instead of smaller over two weeks
• Seems to be infected with pus, redness, and worsening pain

Also visit a dentist or doctor sooner if you experience:

• Fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes signaling infection
• Unexplained blood blisters appearing frequently
• Difficulty swallowing, eating, or drinking with blisters
• Severe pain preventing sleep or normal activity

Rarely, some mouth blood blisters can indicate complex health issues requiring further testing and treatment.

Blood Blister Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose the cause of blood blisters in the mouth, the dentist or doctor will:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Perform an oral exam to inspect the blisters and surrounding tissue
• Order blood tests or do a culture of the sore if infection seems likely
• Possibly order medical imaging if cancer is suspected as an underlying cause

Standard blood blister treatments may include:

• Antibiotics if tests show bacterial infection
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Medications that reduce pain and inflammation
• Topical ointments to help healing
• Further testing and treatment for complex conditions

If there is intense pain, the blister may also be surgically drained and removed. Topical or local anesthetics can keep this comfortable.

Preventing Blood Blisters in the Mouth

While you cannot prevent accidental biting or injury, you can lower your changes of dealing with blood blisters in the mouth by:

• Avoiding very hot or crunchy foods and drinks
• Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or vigorous activity
• Getting properly fitted orthodontic devices like braces
• Replacing dentures or dental work irritating mouth tissues
• Treating canker sores and other mouth conditions promptly

Catching any oral health issues early and taking good care of your mouth can help prevent blood blisters and other painful sores from developing.

Outlook for Blood Blisters in the Mouth

When cared for properly, most blood mouth blisters resolve without complications within 7-14 days. Try not to rupture them as this can increase pain and infection risk.

While frustrating, blood blisters in the mouth are a common occurrence and generally not a major concern. Use at-home relief methods and see your dentist or doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse over time.

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.