Pain in the mouth is difficult to bear. Injury to your oral tissues, like the inside of the cheek, the tongue, or the gums, is therefore very annoying. Our gums, for example, are easily cut or injured because they are soft tissues. Treating gum injuries promptly is important to prevent complications.
Types of Gum Injuries
- Cuts and Abrasions: These are the most common type of gum injury, and are often the result of biting the inside of the mouth, eating sharp or pointed foods (like potato and corn chips), scratching them with the bristles of your toothbrush, or accidentally stabbing your gum with a toothpick.
- Burns: Hot foods and beverages cause gum burns and swelling.
- Bruising: This usually happens due to physical trauma, as with sports injuries.
The good news, aside from the pain, is that gum injuries usually heal within a week or so, when treated properly.
Home Treatments for Gum Injury
Here are some rules and methods to apply when providing first aid for injured gum tissue.
Use a Damp Cloth: If your gums are bleeding, use a clean, damp cloth to apply pressure to the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes. This usually stops the initial bleeding.
Rinse with Saltwater: Salt is a natural disinfectant. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth gently to clean the injury and reduce swelling.
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress outside the mouth. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels to alleviate pain and swelling.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from spicy or acidic foods that aggravate injured oral tissues.
Soft Diet: Opt for soft foods to prevent further injury.
Continue Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing, but go gently around the injured area.
Professional Treatment Important
While initial home care is helpful, visiting a dental professional is still very important. Dentists assess the extent of the injury and prevent complications like infections. They also offer treatments like professional cleaning or medication that home remedies cannot provide. This ensures that your injury heals properly, helping you maintain your overall oral health. The experienced dental team at the Placerville Dental Group is prepared to help you with all your dental injuries and emergencies. Don’t suffer alone! Contact us today for immediate assistance.
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