A blood blister in the mouth is a blood-filled bulge or formation. It develops when the blood vessels underneath the skin burst. The most common reasons can be cheek bites or mouth traumas. The blood that comes out of these vessels can accumulate in the mouth tissue, resulting in a blister.
These blood-filled sacs are typically unsettling and painful. However, they are not dangerous (mostly) and get healed on their own. They can be maroon and purplish. They appear on your inner cheeks, tongue, or inner lips.
Common Causes of a Blood Blister In The Mouth
The precise reason for oral blisters remains tentative. However, sometimes they are considered to appear due to angina bullosa haemorrhagica.
ABH is a rare oral disorder that causes these bumps. There’s nothing to be worried about as they vanish after some days. However, it can be harmful and dangerous if a huge blister obstructs the airway.
Some other common and major causes of blood blisters could be:
- Injury after accidental cheek biting
- Hot and hard edibles
- Allergic reaction
- Anxiety & stress
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Braces or crown placements
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Alcohol and drugs
- Some diseases like diabetes
- Oral cancer
Treatment & Remedies
Oral blisters are harmless and don’t need medical help as they usually vanish on their own after 7-14 days. However, here are some precautions and remedies you can use to try to manage them at home:
- Avoid spicy, salty and crunchy food items as they can trigger pain and burning.
- Eat soft and non-spicy foods.
- Refrain from popping the sac.
You can also try the following remedies to reduce the pain:
- Pain relievers: Buy over-the-counter pain relievers to decrease the pain.
- Icing: Apply ice cubes on the blister to ease the swelling and discomfort. Rub it around the affected area for around 5-10 minutes.
- Turmeric: Although there is little to no medical evidence, turmeric has been used as an ancient medicine to heal inflammation and pain. You can mix it in water and honey and apply the paste to the infected area.
- Cucumber Slices: They are widely known as healing agents. You can apply them multiple times a day to cure the bump. You can also drink cucumber water as an alternative to slices.
Should You See a Dentist?
As mentioned before, medical intervention isn’t necessary if it seems like a usual bump. However, do not delay in making an appointment with your doctor or dentist if you have one of the following cases:
- The bump size is too large and abnormal.
- These bumps appear now and then.
- They seem to take more than 7-14 days to heal.
- They are making it difficult to chew and drink.
- They form on lips.
- They cause unbearable pain.
- They appear after undergoing dental treatments, such as having braces fixed.
If your case has similarities with any of these instances, connect with your dentist ASAP. Especially if you feel that sacs have developed after the braces procedure, don’t ignore or delay the case.
Takeaway
In most cases, blood blisters in the mouth can result after oral injuries and will have healed in a maximum of 15 days. However, if you feel something abnormal in the size and pain, contact your dental practitioner.
