What causes a blood blister in the mouth?
When the upper layer of skin tissue is injured, a fluid-filled sac or blister forms to protect the skin from further damage. Sometimes, blood vessels are also broken, and blood fills the blister, giving it its red color.
A blood blister differs from other oral sores:
- Canker sores: Appear as reddish ulcers covered by a white or yellowish film
- Fever blisters: Often preceded by tingling, may be linked to a fever, and usually appear on the lips or under the nose
- Blood blisters: Form suddenly, are darker red or purple, and develop only inside the mouth
Common causes of blood blisters include:
An injury: Accidentally biting your cheek, burning soft tissue with hot food, or sharp foods like chips can cause trauma. Dental procedures involving injections or fittings for crowns or dentures may also trigger a blister.
Allergic reaction: Some medications or highly acidic foods can irritate the oral tissues and lead to blistering.
Thrombocytopenia: This condition, marked by low platelet count, can make you prone to blood blisters due to reduced clotting ability.
Angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH): A rare disorder where blood blisters appear suddenly in the mouth. These may be painful but usually disappear within a few days. The cause is unknown.
How to treat a blood blister
Although blood blisters usually go away on their own within a few days, you can take steps to ease discomfort.
Tip: Never pop a blood blister. Doing so could cause an infection.
Here are a few ways to manage symptoms:
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Anti-inflammatory medications can ease the pain. Your dentist may also recommend or prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash.
Avoid food triggers: Spicy, salty, or hot foods may worsen irritation. Stick to a soft, bland diet while the blister heals.
If the blister persists longer than two weeks, interferes with eating or swallowing, or shows signs of infection (such as pus), schedule an appointment with your dentist. Frequent blisters should also be evaluated to rule out an underlying issue.
Schedule an appointment with Espire Dental today!
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