All of us have experienced bumps, scrapes, and injuries. Mouth injuries are frequent, particularly in kids, athletes, and people vulnerable to falls or contact sports accidents. Cuts on gums may not happen as frequently as other oral injuries, but they can still occur.
Sometimes, a cut on gums can be caused by seemingly minor causes like using the wrong brushing method or eating sharp foods.
Knowing how to heal a cut on the gums at home is crucial. As a result, the wound can recover more quickly and stay clean.
In this post, I’ll explore the 7 effective ways to treat cut gums so you can get rid of any pain you might be feeling.
What causes a cut on the gums?
The gums are the soft tissues in our body. They are prone to cuts and accidents due to their sensitive nature. Even the slightest scratch can cause bleed a lot.
You might have cut on gum above the tooth, near the tooth, or outside of your mouth or face. These types of injuries can also occur inside the mouth. Getting a cut on the gum behind the molar or a cut in between teeth on the gums is also possible.
Here are several factors that could lead to mouth injuries and damaged gums
- Contact sport injuries
- A fall
- Eating food that is sharp or crunchy
- Using sharp objects such as needles or toothpicks to remove food particles
- Brushing too hard
- Using hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause a cut on the gums near the tooth
- Improper flossing methods
Appearance of a cut on gums
Cuts in gums are more likely to bleed a lot. The gums have abundant blood supply like your tongue, lip, and face areas.
In addition to bleeding and tearing in these soft tissues, you can see other changes when a cut occurs on your gums. These may include changes in texture and color. Additionally, keep an eye out for symptoms of a gum infection.
Most people experience the following signs:
Changes in gum color
A cut on the gums initially appears red and swollen. As the wound heals, the affected areas turn white. Like other types of injuries, these color changes are a natural response of our immune system. The color difference is temporary and should fade in a couple of days.
Swelling
Your gums may swell in response to an injury. The cut causes the gum to grow larger. The swollen area turns red and feels sore and tender.
Infection
If a cut on your gums is not healing, it might get infected.
Possible symptoms of infection include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Pus from the wound
- Red lines emitting from the cut
- The affected gum area swells more
Treatment
A cut on gums typically heals on its own with home remedies such as salt-water rinses, ice cubes, and cold compresses. But in severe cases, you may need medical attention.
7. effective home remedies to heal cut gums
1. Stop the bleeding
The first and most important step is to stop the bleeding immediately. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or paper towel on your gums for 5 to 10 minutes. It is better to soak the paper towel in cool water first and then apply it to the gum cut. Rinse your mouth with cool water to remove debris or blood residue clinging to the wound.
2. Try a salt water rinse
Salt water helps keep the cut clean and prevent infection. To make a saltwater rinse, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, then gently rinse for several seconds. According to your needs, repeat this rinse multiple times throughout the day, especially after meals.
3. Modification in diet
Temporary diet changes may help you feel less discomfort. Avoid eating hot, spicy, solid foods or anything with sharp edges, like chips. Also, avoid hot beverages and citrus fruits because they may sting. Eat soft or semi-solid foods until your gums’ cuts are healed.
Also Read: What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
4. Use cold compresses
Applying cold compresses to the cut on gums might be a good idea. Use ice cubes in a soft cloth and apply them on the outer side of your cheek near the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Use Aloe Vera gel
Apply a small quantity of aloe gel directly on the cut. Please leave it in your mouth for 3 to 4 minutes, then rinse it with cool water thoroughly. Aloe Vera gel naturally has a soothing effect on gums and allows your gum cut to heal quickly.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps you lower the possibility of infection and inflammation of the bump on the gums.
6. Use honey
Honey contains antioxidants and healing enzymes that help cut gums to heal quickly. Apply a small amount of honey on a cut of your gums with a clean cotton or a finger. It helps to prevent the cut from the infection by reducing bacterial growth in that area.
7. Try OCT medication
OTC painkillers are incredibly beneficial. Some painkillers, including Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol), can soothe mild pain caused by cut gums.
Clinical treatments
Suppose the blood doesn’t stop. Your dentist or medical professional can use stitches to close your open wounds. When you have deep cuts, this can stop the bleeding and give your gums time to heal quickly. A dentist can prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infected cut on your gums.
Healing time
The duration for healing a cut gum depends on its extent and the person’s healing abilities. A minor cut on gums takes 3 to 4 days to heal. If the cut is deep and infected, it may take a few weeks to a month to heal.
Also Read: 10 Best Ways To Remove Food Stuck In Wisdom Tooth Hole
When to seek medical attention
You can use oral antibiotics to treat a minor illness at home, but more severe infections may need hospitalization.
Sometimes, a cut on gum may infected, so it is important to seek medical attention right away to prevent it from spreading and getting worse.
If a cut on your gums doesn’t heal within a few days, you should visit a healthcare professional.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop with cold compression after 10 minutes, seeing a doctor is essential.
Other warning signs that require a medical emergency:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Having difficulty swallowing food and drink
- Difficulty in closing your mouth due to gum swelling or pain
- Inability to quickly eat or speak
Other symptoms include bleeding gums without any cuts or other obvious signs such as pain. These symptoms are linked to periodontal diseases, which are gum disease like:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums or gumline
- Bad breath
- Toothaches
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Infection
- Loose teeth
- A change in your bite
Always remember that when it comes to the health of your teeth or gums, it is best to take caution rather than make any blunders. See a dentist for the proper care if you do not know about the cut on your gums.
