Understanding Cuts and Sores in the Mouth That Won't Heal

Understanding Cuts and Sores in the Mouth That Won't Heal

Oral injuries can happen to anyone. While most clear up on their own, sometimes cuts or sores in the mouth persist longer than normal. This is especially true with those located on the gums. When you have a cut in your gum above a tooth that refuses to heal, it can quickly become a source of pain, irritation, and embarrassment.

Why wont this gum cut heal? What are the risks if you ignore it? And when should you see a dentist for treatment? This guide will cover all that and more about stubborn mouth lesions that just wont go away.

What Causes Cuts and Sores in the Mouth?

The tissues of the mouth are delicate and complex. Any number of factors can lead to injury and irritation. Common causes of cuts, cracks, blisters, and sores in the mouth include:

• Accidental biting or injury from sharp foods
• Burns from hot drinks or foods
• Irritation from dentures, braces, fillings, or other dental work
• Canker sores
• Cold sores or fever blisters
• Oral cancer or precancerous lesions
• Mouth ulcers
• Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
• Immune system disorders
• Infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Excessive tobacco, alcohol use
• Gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis

Why Do Mouth Sores Sometimes Persist?

Minor mouth irritations often heal up within a week or two. When they linger longer, there's usually an underlying cause preventing normal healing. This is especially true with cuts or lesions on the gums.

Possible reasons a gum cut won't heal include:

• Repeated irritation or trauma to the area
• An underlying infection
• Deficiencies in nutrients needed for healing
• Medications that impair healing
• Systemic diseases like diabetes that cause poor circulation
• Cancer or precancerous lesions
• Immune disorders that allow infections to persist

It's important to identify and address the cause of any mouth sore that fails to heal. Otherwise, the problem will likely only get worse.

Risks of Untreated Cuts and Sores in the Mouth

While a minor gum irritation or mouth lesion may seem harmless, there are risks if cuts in your mouth are left untreated, such as:

• Infection: Bacteria and viruses can enter through open cuts and wounds leading to pain, swelling, and serious infections.
• Gum disease: Unhealed lesions around teeth can allow bacteria to invade and destroy gum tissues.
• Tooth loss: Advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Oral cancer: Persistent mouth sores, especially when combined with risk factors like smoking, may indicate cancer.
• Spreading infection: Mouth bacteria entering the bloodstream can potentially affect major organs like the heart.
• Dehydration: Painful mouth sores can make drinking, eating, and swallowing difficult leading to poor nutrition.

Even when there is no serious underlying cause, having a painful chronic lesion in your mouth can negatively impact your quality of life. Seeking prompt treatment can prevent unnecessary complications.

What to Do About a Cut on the Gum Above a Tooth

Have you noticed a sore, lesion, or cut on your gum just above a tooth that bleeds easily and wont go away? Any mouth wound that persists longer than 2 weeks warrants an evaluation by a dentist or doctor. Here are some tips to promote healing of gum cuts and know when to seek help:

At-Home Treatment

To give a mouth lesion the best chance of healing on its own, good oral hygiene is essential:

• Brush gently twice daily and floss around the wound daily to remove debris.
• Rinse well after eating and drinking.
• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol which can dry and irritate.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the area cleansed.
• Apply a small ice cube to numb pain temporarily.
• Avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol, spicy or acidic foods.

Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine can provide temporary relief but avoid extended use. Saltwater rinses and OTC topical antibiotics may also help certain lesions. But beware excessive use of topical antibiotics as this can lead to resistance.

When to Seek Dental Care

Schedule a dental appointment right away if you notice:

• Pus, foul taste, or fever indicating infection
• Trouble swallowing, eating, or opening your mouth
• Lesions that quickly enlarge, change color, or spread
• New mouth sore combined with unexplained weight loss
• Numbness, altered taste, or other new symptoms
• No improvement in a mouth sore after 2 weeks of care

Your dentist can examine any stubborn mouth wounds, determine if further testing or biopsy is needed, and provide tailored treatments to promote healing.

Dental Treatments for Cuts and Sores in the Mouth

Based on the evaluation, your dentist may recommend:

• Medications: Prescription antibiotic rinses, gels, or ointments for infection. Oral medicines to boost the immune system or control outbreaks of conditions like cold sores or canker sores.
• Debridement: Removing damaged tissues around the lesion to improve healing.
• Biopsy: Sampling affected cells or fluids to test for cancer, fungus, or specific infections.
• Oral surgery: Draining dental abscesses, removing diseased gum tissues, extracting affected teeth.
• Nutrient therapy: Vitamin or mineral supplements if deficiencies are found.
• Laser therapy: Low-level light therapy to reduce inflammation and enhance healing.

The sooner stubborn mouth sores are properly diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Left untreated, many will only grow worse.

Preventing Cuts and Sores in the Mouth

While accidental lip bites or irritated gums from a sharp chip happen occasionally, you can take steps to avoid chronic or recurring mouth lesions:

• Brush and floss thoroughly each day.
• Get dental cleanings every 6 months.
• Wear properly fitted dentures if needed.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Drink plenty of water for hydration.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Use lip balm and sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
• Promptly treat viral infections like cold sores.
• Have any damaged fillings or braces adjusted.
• See a dentist for gum disease treatment.

Inspect your entire mouth including gums, tongue, lips and inner cheeks once a month looking for any abnormal lesions or changes in color or texture. Report any unusual findings to your dentist right away. Early detection provides the best opportunity for successful treatment of precancerous or cancerous lesions.

By taking steps to maintain excellent oral health and

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.