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What to Do About a Gum Injury
Most oral health can be maintained with a decent at-home hygiene regimen and regular dental visits. However, an injury to the gums can be unexpected and cause infection. If you hurt your gums, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible to safeguard your oral health.
At the dental practice of Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili in Fairfax, Virginia, we offer emergency dentistry appointments for issues that include damage to the mouth, teeth, or gums.
What to do if you injure your gums
Gum injuries can be unpredictable, and prompt treatment is required to help prevent oral infection, tooth problems, or other complications like an abcess around the root of a tooth. If you've hurt your gums, there are a few things you should do right away to help prevent more serious problems.
Immediately rinse your mouth
A gum injury can be a cut, bruise, or even a tear, all of which can become infected from bacteria inside the mouth. dissolve a spoonful of salt in a glass of water, and rinse your mouth thoroughly. This will sting, but will also reduce chances of an infection. Rinse several times to see if any bleeding stops.
Apply pressure to the wound
Your gums are soft tissue, and bleed a lot when injured, However, if bleeding refuses to slow once you rinse your mouth, you need to apply pressure to help stanch the flow. Clean gauze is the best option. Fold it into a square and place the gauze between the affected gum and the side of your mouth or your tongue. If you can get enough pressure, wash your hands and use a finger to hold the gauze tightly against the wound.
Ice the area
Pain and swelling are probably setting in at this stage, so make sure to apply an ice pack to the affected area. You may have to do this on the outside of your mouth, as close to the injury as possible. Use a cloth in between the ice and your skin. Don't take painkillers until you visit your dentist and get professional treatment for your gum injury.
See your dentist
Speaking of your dentist, you should call our office and ask for an emergency appointment, even if bleeding has stopped and you aren't in significant pain. Gum injuries can easily get infected, and you may need oral antibiotics.
If you have hurt your gums, don’t hesitate. Call Dr. Yalamanchili at our office at 703-213-5312 or book your appointment online today.
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