Cuts and injuries on the gum can occur due to hard toothbrush bristles, hard food items, foreign objects, and more. A Burlingame dentist recommends getting dental help if your gums get cut. Gums are delicate and soft and can easily get cut. Even the smallest abrasion can cause bleeding. When this combines with your saliva, the blood can seem like a lot, but it usually does not.
A cut on the gum usually heals on its own. You may have encountered such a cut at least once in your life. A salt water rinse and cold compress should be more than enough. However, certain cases require emergency dental care Burlingame. Knowing how to deal with a gum injury properly is crucial. Read this blog to know more.
How you may get cuts on your gum
You may have experienced getting cuts on the outer surface of your body and face. However, it is possible to get them in the inside as well. Gums are the most delicate tissues inside your mouth and, thus, most prone to injury. These usually result from an accident, such as a fall, a sports injury, or the presence of a sharp object in the mouth.
It is also possible to get cuts in between your teeth. While this is less likely to occur during falls, they often occur due to one of these reasons:
- Using an incorrect flossing method.
- Using sharp objects in the mouth, such as toothpicks.
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Dealing with gum cuts in children
Children are more likely to get cuts on their gums than adults. Children tend to be careless while playing on the field and putting sharp, unsafe objects in their mouths. It is recommended for parents to start dental care education with their kids as early as possible.
If your child gets a cut on their gums, here is what you should do:
- Thoroughly wash your hands before examining your child’s mouth.
- Clean the gum area with cool water.
- Use a clean towel or cloth to apply pressure.
- To reduce bumps and bleeding, have your child suck on an ice cube or popsicle.
You must contact a dentist if the following symptoms show:
- The bleeding does not stop after 5 minutes of pressure.
- The cut is longer than ½ inch.
- The cut is a puncture wound.
- The cut was caused by a rusty object.
What steps should you take if you cut your gums?
Gum cuts and injuries can happen during daily life activities. It is important to know what steps to take to prevent the risk of an infection and other dental health problems. If you get a gum cut, follow these steps.
Rinse your mouth
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with salt water. This will prevent the bacteria in your mouth from reaching the wound and infecting it. It will sting, but this is necessary. Do this until the bleeding stops.
Apply pressure to the wound
To stop the bleeding, make sure to apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding. You can use a clean piece of gauze for the same.
Ice the area
To reduce the swelling and numb the pain, you can use ice. Make use of wrapping the ice cubes in a piece of cloth and holding it outside of your mouth. Do not apply it directly to the gums.
See your dentist immediately
Contact your dentist to let them know that you have an emergency. Let them know your symptoms so that they can arrange an appointment on an urgent basis.
Visit your dentist today!
Minor gum cuts and lacerations are common since they are very delicate parts of your mouth. However, some deeper and larger cuts may require medical attention. Visit your dentist today!