Why Do I Have Cuts on My Gums? Causes and Treatment Explained

Why Do I Have Cuts on My Gums? Causes and Treatment

Finding cuts or lesions on your gums can be alarming. However, there are a variety of potential causes, most of which can be managed with the right treatment.

Gum injuries can result from irritation, infection, autoimmune conditions, trauma from brushing or dental procedures, and more. While some causes may be serious, cuts and sores in the mouth often heal on their own with proper oral hygiene and care.

Read on to learn about the common reasons you may have developed cuts on your gums and how to find relief and promote healing.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, round white or yellowish ulcers that form inside the mouth. They usually first appear during childhood or adolescence.

Canker sores most often develop on the insides of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue, and on the soft palate. However, they can occasionally form on the gums as well.

The exact cause of canker sores isnt fully understood. Potential triggers include:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Food sensitivities
• Trauma or irritation
• Impaired immune function

Canker sores usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks without scarring. Using an antiseptic mouthwash, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and applying topical ointments can help manage pain and inflammation.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection most common in children under 5. However, it can occasionally affect adults as well.

The infection leads to sores developing on the mouth, hands, feet, and sometimes the genitals. Mouth lesions tend to first show up on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family, most commonly the coxsackievirus. It spreads through contact with respiratory secretions, poop, blister fluid, and contaminated surfaces.

There is no specific treatment for the infection - symptoms usually clear up within 7-10 days. Providing pain relief, hydration, and proper hygiene can help manage discomfort until it passes.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi in the mouth. Its most common in infants and people with weakened immune systems.

Thrush can appear on the gums, tongue, palate and inner cheeks as patchy white lesions. These may be accompanied by redness, pain and bleeding.

Oral thrush is treated with prescription antifungal medication, rinses, and topical gels. Keeping the mouth clean while the infection clears up can aid recovery.

Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

This condition is caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus, also responsible for cold sores. Initial oral herpes infections often occur in childhood.

Herpetic gingivostomatitis leads to ulcers covering the gums, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, and palate - sometimes accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Symptoms usually resolve within 2-3 weeks but can last up to a month. Antiviral medication like acyclovir can be prescribed for severe cases. Oral pain relievers and proper oral hygiene help manage discomfort.

Erythema Multiforme

Erythema multiforme is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect the mouth. Its often triggered by infections or medication allergies.

Oral erythema multiforme appears as red, spotty lesions with white centers on the lips and inner cheeks or gums. Ulcers may develop and gum tissue can slough off.

Topical steroids, pain medication, and addressing any underlying trigger can help resolve erythema multiforme outbreaks. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Mucositis

Mucositis refers to inflammation and ulcers in the mucous membranes caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplants.

The mouth becomes very sensitive and sore, making eating, drinking and speech difficult. The gums may bleed and develop painful lesions during mucositis flares.

Treatment aims to manage pain and prevent complications like infections. Salt water rinses, anesthetics, anti-inflammatories and coating agents may provide relief until the condition improves.

Aphthous Stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis is characterized by recurring canker sore outbreaks. It has three classifications based on ulcer size, frequency and location.

Minor aphthous ulcers are less than 1cm wide and heal within 7-10 days. Major aphthous ulcers can be over 1cm and take up to 6 weeks to resolve. Herpetiform ulcers are clusters of dozens of small lesions.

While the exact cause is unknown, triggers may include stress, trauma, hormonal changes, immune disorders and vitamin deficiencies. Managing flare-ups focuses on pain relief until lesions subside.

Aggressive Brushing and Flossing

Overzealous oral hygiene habits can potentially cause gum damage and irritation. Brushing too vigorously with a stiff brush or flossing carelessly can lead to cuts and lesions.

Be gentle when brushing problem areas using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use proper flossing technique taking care around swollen, bleeding or sensitive gums. This allows them to heal while keeping your mouth clean.

Dental Procedures

Certain dental treatments like fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, and periodontal procedures can occasionally cause collateral damage to the gums.

The mouth usually heals quickly from minor procedures. But more invasive work may require several days of recovery time and care to minimize infection risk in operated areas.

Irritation and Allergic Reactions

Harsh oral care products, foods, smoking, dentures, orthodontics like braces or retainers, and mouth jewelry can all potentially irritate the gums and trigger lesions.

Eliminating sources of irritation allows the gums to recover. Topical numbing gels or over-the-counter oral antihistamines can provide relief for mild allergic reactions.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may make the oral mucosa more vulnerable to damage and slow healing. Iron, folate, zinc and vitamin complexes are especially important for gum health.

Addressing any nutritional deficiencies through diet changes or supplements can help improve resilience against lesions while also supporting immune function and wound repair mechanisms.

How to Treat Cuts on Your Gums

Most minor gum cuts and lesions heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, especially if the cause is isolated. But you can help speed recovery and manage pain with the following measures:

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Gently brushing and flossing around damaged gums helps prevent food debris from getting trapped and bacteria from accumulating, which could hinder healing.

Use a Soft Toothbrush

A toothbrush with soft bristles minimizes irritation to existing cuts while removing plaque buildup. Change your regular brush until the gums have mended.

Rinse with Salt Water

Swishing with a warm salt water solution helps keep the area clean while drawing out fluid from inflamed tissues. Salt also has mild antiseptic effects.

Apply Topical Pain Relief

Over-the-counter oral gels containing numbing agents like lidocaine or anti-inflammatories like benzocaine can temporarily relieve discomfort from gum lesions.

Stick to Soft, Neutral Foods

Avoiding spicy, acidic or coarse foods that could aggravate the wounded gums aids the healing process.

Use Dental Wax

Applying orthodontic wax over cuts on the gums provides a protective barrier so food and drink dont irritate the area.

Take Anti-Inflammatories

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen help control inflammation and lessen pain.

Get Plenty of Rest

Make sure to get enough sleep, as the body heals fastest during rest. Reduce stress levels which could impair immunity.

See Your Dentist

Consult your dentist if wounds worsen, fail to improve within 2 weeks, or you experience worrisome symptoms like fever. Professional cleaning and medication may be required.

When to See a Medical Professional

Schedule an urgent dental appointment if you experience:

• Severe mouth pain making it difficult to eat, drink or sleep
• Rapidly spreading ulcers or lesions
• Pus-filled sores accompanied by fever or swelling
• Numbness or loss of function in the face or mouth
• Bleeding that doesnt stop with pressure
• Slow healing beyond 2 weeks
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

These signs could indicate a serious underlying condition like oral cancer requiring medical intervention. Dont hesitate to get professional help managing troubling oral lesions.

When to See Your Doctor or Dermatologist

Consult a physician promptly if you experience:

• Mouth ulcers along with skin rashes and lesions
• Frequent bouts of canker sores
• Oral ulcers combined with genital lesions
• Multiple canker sores after starting new medication
• Sudden onset of widespread mouth ulcers
• A compromised immune system

These may be signs of an underlying medical condition, adverse drug reaction, or immune disorder requiring specialized diagnosis and management beyond standard dental treatment.

Preventing Cuts and Sores on the Gums

You can reduce your risk of developing gum cuts and lesions by:

• Brushing twice daily with a soft or extra-soft bristle brush.
• Flossing once daily using proper technique.
• Having regular dental cleanings and exams.
• Not smoking and limiting alcohol which irritate oral tissues.
• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
• Drinking plenty of water to keep the mouth moisturized.
• Avoiding injury from abrasive foods or oral jewelry.
• Using SPF lip balm to prevent sun damage if outdoors extensively.

Practicing excellent oral hygiene and protecting your gums from trauma allows them to stay healthy, making cuts and sores less likely to occur.

When to Seek a Second Opinion

You may wish to consult another dentist or health professional for a second opinion if:

• Your condition is not improving with initial treatment
• Your doctor is unable to make a clear diagnosis
• Your doctor recommends invasive or complex procedures
• Treatment is not resolving your symptoms as expected
• You want added reassurance about your diagnosis and options

Don't hesitate to ask for referral to a specialist like a periodontist, oral surgeon, or oral pathologist to get their clinical perspective if you have chronic or refractory gum problems.

Conclusion

Noticing cuts, ulcers or lesions on your gums can certainly cause concern. However, many common causes like canker sores, irritation, and minor injuries are benign and clear up quickly with proper care.

See your dentist promptly if mouth wounds last longer than 2 weeks, are worsening, or have pus or bleeding. Using soft oral hygiene tools, rinsing with salt water, sticking to soft foods, and applying topical numbing gels can relieve discomfort in the meantime.

Address any underlying oral health or medical issues, and protect your gums proactively to help avoid cuts happening in the first place. With the right treatment, your gums should heal back to full healthy strength.

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.