Our gums are an essential part of our oral health. Gums cover the bones of our mouth and protect our teeth, providing stability and a barrier against germs, bacteria, and diseases in the mouth. At times you may suffer a gum injury. An injury can be a bruise, cut, or even a tear. It is important that these injuries are not ignored! Left on their own, injured gums can become infected or experience other severe dental issues.
Bleeding Gums
Since your gums are considered soft tissue, you may unintentionally injure them causing minor bleeding that should stop within a matter of minutes. If you are concerned, you can take the following steps:
- Dissolve a spoonful of salt in a glass of water and rinse thoroughly. This may sting the injured area, but will help reduce the chance of infection.
- To stop the bleeding, press and hold a damp piece of gauze or a clean, damp napkin on the injured area.
- If the pain and discomfort doesn’t subside, hold a piece of ice to the injured gum for 5-10 minutes to reduce the inflammation and pain.
If the suggestions above don’t stop the bleeding, contact the Tahquitz Dental Group so that we can help you further.
Gum Injuries Due to Foreign Objects
Have you ever accidentally injured your gums with a sharp object such as a fork, toothpick, piece of ice, or other food? It is important to remember that any piece of the sharp object not removed could cause a painful infection. To avoid this, use a dental pick or floss to remove the object without causing further damage to the gums. If you are not successful in removing the object, contact our office for further advice.
Periodontal Abscess
A dental abscess is a bag of pus that can form in a tooth, the gums, or jawbone. Abscesses are usually caused by bacterial infections and can be very painful, causing toothaches and swelling and tenderness in the gums and face. Sometimes, the patient may not even realize they have an abscess, until x-rays reveal its presence in the jaw. Other abscesses cause significant a significant fever.
If you are suffering from a dental abscess, you must see a dentist immediately! Bacterial infections left untreated can spread to other parts of your body causing serious and life-threatening side effects. Contact our office to ensure you get the timely help you need!
Help for Dental Emergencies
The Tahquitz Dental Group is ready to assist you with dental emergencies when necessary. Feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns that you may have!
