How To Treat A Cut On The Gums

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Injuries to the mouth are fairly common and can often be minor and easy to treat at home, though in some cases it will be necessary to see a professional. Cuts that occur in the mouth or on the gums are most common among children, people who are accident prone, and people who play contact sports.

It is important to know how and to begin treatment to any cut on the gums as soon as possible to avoid infection and encourage faster healing.

When cuts are Most Likely to Occur

Most cuts to the gums occur during a contact sport, during a fall, or by a sharp object that is within the mouth such as an eating utensil or toothpick. When flossing is completed incorrectly it can cause a cut between the teeth, and a toothbrush that has bristles that are too hard can cause scratches and cuts to the gums.

Signs and Symptoms

When there is a cut on the gums it is likely to bleed, and usually will bleed a lot. This is due to the increased blood supply that is present within the gums.

They may also appear red and swollen, while during the healing process they can become white in appearance for a short time. Any area that has become swollen or appears white in color may be sore and tender, requiring soft foods and avoiding acidic drinks.

A cut on the gums can become infected and when this occurs there will be symptoms of an infection that include a fever or chills, red streaks or pus around the gums. Swelling can increase and there will be an increase in pain within the mouth.

Treatments

The first step is to stop the bleeding by applying a cloth or a piece of paper towel on the area. If there is any sign of debris the mouth can be rinsed with cool water to clear the cut. Saltwater rinse can be used to keep the area clean and should be repeated after meals and snacks to keep food clear of the area while it heals.

You can choose soft foods with a bland taste to avoid irritating the area. Swelling can be addressed using an ice cube, Popsicle, or placing a cool compress over the area for a few minutes at a time. Pain medications can be used to ease the discomfort of a cut on the gums.

Though it is less common than with other cuts, stitches can be used for a larger cut on the gums, and self-dissolving stitches are often chosen for this purpose. Should an infection occur, an antibiotic can be prescribed and must be taken according to the directions to keep the infection from spreading.

Where an infection is suspected it is necessary to seek care from a dentist or healthcare provider. It is important to also seek professional care if there is bleeding lasting beyond 10 minutes, or when a cut has improved but then become worse again.

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Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com