Understanding Mouth Lesions That Won't Heal
Mouth sores or lesions are commonly caused by minor injuries, viral infections, or even vitamin deficiencies. Most of the time, these irritating canker sores and cold sores will heal within a couple weeks without much trouble. However, when you have a cut on your gum that persists without healing, it becomes cause for concern about your oral health.
What Are Some Common Causes of Mouth Lesions?
There are many different things that can cause sores or lesions to appear in or around the mouth. Some of the most common causes include:
- Accidental biting or injury from sharp foods
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
- Viral infections like cold sores or canker sores
- Oral yeast infections (thrush)
- Mouth cancer or precancerous lesions
- Autoimmune disorders
While most minor mouth injuries or sores will heal up within a couple weeks, some persistent mouth lesions require further evaluation and treatment.
When to Worry About a Mouth Sore
Most simple mouth injuries resolve without intervention within 7-14 days. But in some cases, lesions in the mouth may last longer and require medical care. See your dentist or doctor if you have a mouth sore that:
- Lasts longer than 2 weeks
- Keeps coming back
- Is increasing in size
- Has an irregular border
- Appears dark in color or discolored
A mouth lesion that won't go away even after a few weeks should be evaluated to identify the underlying cause and possible treatments.
Why Won't This Cut on My Gum Heal?
There are several possible reasons why you may have a cut or lesion on your gums that fails to heal, including:
Infection
Bacterial, viral or fungal infections in the mouth can all cause gum lesions. Infections may occur after a dentist visit, oral surgery, gum injury, or due to poor oral hygiene. The infection prevents the cut from healing properly.
Vitamin or Nutrient Deficiencies
Lacking key vitamins like B12, folate, zinc or iron can impair your ability to heal from gum injuries. Healing requires nutrients that may be missing in deficiency states.
Oral Cancer
In rare cases, a persistent sore or non-healing lesion could be a sign of oral cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma. Other symptoms may accompany cancerous mouth lesions, like numbness, pain, or bleeding.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases like lichen planus or pemphigoid can attack the gums and cause painful lesions. Managing the underlying condition may help heal these lesions.
What Treatment Options Exist for Non-Healing Mouth Lesions?
Based on the diagnosed cause of your persistent mouth sore, your dentist or doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve:
- Oral hygiene instructions
- Antibiotics for infection
- Anti-fungal medication
- Steroid creams or pastes
- Biopsy of abnormal tissues
- Nutritional supplements if deficiency is detected
- Surgery for some oral cancers
Identifying why the cut on your gum refuses to heal is important for getting the sore to finally resolve and prevent recurrence. Keep a close eye on any atypical lesions in your mouth.
How Can I Prevent Persistent Mouth Lesions?
You can reduce your risk of dealing with a lingering mouth sore or lesion by:
- Practicing good oral hygiene and dental care
- Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Quitting smoking or tobacco use
- Getting regular dental exams to find problems early
- Treating vitamin or health conditions contributing to poor healing
- Using protective gear during contact sports to prevent injury
- Avoiding habits that chronically irritate your gums or mouth
While you cannot prevent every instance of injury or viral infection in the mouth, caring properly for your oral health can help minimize your risks. This also allows you to spot and address any persistent lesions promptly to avoid complications.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or dentist right away if you have a mouth sore that does not start to heal within 2 weeks. Any painful, enlarged, or dark lesions in your mouth also warrant medical evaluation, even if they develop suddenly.
Catching and treating mouth lesions early is important, especially if cancer is a concern. So do not delay seeking professional care if something seems off with a gum injury or canker sore.
In rare cases, a lingering mouth lesion may even require a biopsy or referral to an oral medicine specialist. But the sooner you identify the cause, the better your chances of faster healing.
FAQs
What should I do if I have a canker sore that won't go away?
If you have a canker sore or mouth lesion that persists longer than 2 weeks without healing, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor for an evaluation. An underlying condition may be preventing normal healing.
Do mouth injuries always require stitches?
Not necessarily. Minor cuts or lesions on the lips, tongue, gums or inner cheeks often heal well on their own without stitches. But deeper injuries or ones with bleeding may need stitches or surgical repair performed by an oral surgeon or dentist.
Could a vitamin deficiency cause my mouth sore?
Yes, lacking certain vitamins like B12, folate, zinc or iron can contribute to impaired healing after a mouth injury. Nutrient deficiencies prevent your body from undergoing the normal repair processes. Getting bloodwork done can help identify any deficiencies.
When should a mouth lesion be biopsied?
If a dentist identifies a suspicious looking mouth sore that persists longer than 2 weeks without healing, they may recommend getting a biopsy. Checking for abnormal or cancerous cells can help guide appropriate treatment. Not all lesions require biopsy, however.
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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