Go to an Emergency Dentist for a Gum Laceration

An emergency dentist may be necessary. The tissue that makes up your gums does not grow back, so it can be scary in the unlikely event that you get lacerated on your gums. To clarify, a cut that comes from everyday activities such as flossing, brushing your teeth too vigorously, or biting down wrongly on a tortilla chip is no real cause for concern. These minor wounds will heal expediently on their own.

If you slice your gum tissue and experience any of these symptoms, however, it is recommended that you see an emergency dentist:

• Bleeding from the gums that last for more than ten minutes
• A laceration in-between tooth or close to the insertion of a tooth
• A cut on the gums longer than an inch
• A gouge on the gums deeper than a millimeter

If you experience any of these symptoms, you likely need medical attention and possibly even stitches. But before you rush out the door, here are a few first steps that you can take to make this process easier.

After getting cut

It’s important that you disinfect the wounded area. The mouth has one of the most frequent amounts of contact with foreign material in the human body. If you get cut, disinfect the area with mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide heavily diluted with water. 

After disinfecting the area, apply pressure with an absorbent material like a gauze pad. If you are experiencing a significant amount of pain, you can also apply ice for relief. Reassess the bleeding after ten minutes. If the wound has stopped bleeding after ten minutes, it will most likely heal well on its own. If the wound continues to bleed after ten minutes, you will need to see an emergency dentist.

Additional considerations

If you have a large open wound in your mouth, here are a few of the possible outcomes that arise from lack of treatment:

Fistulas are visible white abscesses that bubble up with white pus. They are often mistaken for canker sores. They are the first signs of an infection and can be painful in high-traffic areas of the mouth.

Infections that have access to areas of the body with high blood supplies can spread quickly. Sinus infections are common symptoms that originate in the mouth and ear. Sinus infections are debilitating and can be quite painful.

Tooth loss is one of the most common consequences of open wounds in the mouth. The infection does not have to go very far to reach teeth or bones in the mouth. These conditions are extremely painful and life-altering.

Learn more from your dentist

In the unlikely event that you suffer from a significant laceration to the inner mouth, especially on your gums and around your teeth, it is wise to seek the attention of a medical professional. Remember to follow the steps mentioned earlier to help sterilize your wound and save your smile. Ask your dentist for more information about how to best care for your mouth as it recovers. 

Request an appointment here: https://brianbelldds.com or call Brian Bell, DDS at (559) 366-9006 for an appointment in our Tulare office.

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