Causes and Treatment of Bruised Gums
Have you ever wondered if you could get a bruise on your gums? Gum tissue, just like the rest of the skin on your body, is susceptible to bruising. Falls, bumps, an errant toothbrush – there are many different ways to develop a bruise on your gums, but luckily, most will resolve on their own and are not cause for concern. Read on to see how you might end up with bruised gums, and when you need to seek dental treatment from Richmond Virginia’s family dentists at Brightwork Family Dentistry.
What Causes Bruised Gums
Flossing
It is very possible to have bruised gums from flossing. While it is important to floss daily to take care of your teeth and gums, it is possible to floss too vigorously and cause bleeding or bruising to§ Tooth brushing – A slip of the hand while brushing your teeth can cause you to jab your gum with the blunt end of your toothbrush, resulting in bruised gums after brushing
Accidents
You can encounter a bruise on gum tissue after falling and hitting your face, bumping into something with your mouth, being hit, or other similar injuries
Eating
Chewing sharp or crunchy foods like tortilla chips, using a toothpick, or even just eating off a fork – with one wrong chew, you can end up with a painfully bruised gum
Dental appliances
If you have braces, aligners, a retainer, or another dental appliance, it’s possible that a temporarily ill-fitting device might irritate or bruise your gums. In this case, contact your dental or orthodontic office to have the appliance adjusted
Teething
Be mindful if your baby’s gum looks bruised during teething. As a baby’s teeth begin to erupt through the gums (typically, at between six months to one year of age), the gums will be extremely tender and may become bruised where the tooth is coming in – especially with vigorous chewing on teething aids. Occasionally, a baby may even develop a dark, blood-filled cyst at the site of the erupting tooth, called an eruption hematoma, which will typically resolve on its own once the tooth comes in. If you are worried about bruising on your baby’s gums, you can request an appointment with our team of Richmond pediatric dentists at Brightwork
Thrombocytopenia
This condition is caused by a low platelet count, in which the body does not have enough platelets to form blood clots. Among other symptoms, sufferers often experience bruised and bleeding gums
What Does It Mean When Your Gums Look Bruised?
Bruised gums might be purple in color like a typical bruise on your body, but they can also appear dark brown, red, or even black. The bruise might be painful, or it might simply be a discoloration. The good news is that most bruises on the gum will resolve on their own, just like any other bruise.
However, it’s important to know how you got the bruise – if one appears for seemingly no reason, you should consult with your dentist immediately. And even if you do know the cause, make sure to visit Brightwork Family Dentistry in Richmond VA to check for any bruise that doesn’t seem to be healing or that causes significant pain. We can help evaluate your bruised gum situation and explore strategies to enhance your dental health.
If you’re concerned about a change to your gums, schedule an appointment with Richmond Virginia’s family dental experts at Brightwork Family Dentistry. Learn how a consultation with Dr. Crowley or Dr. Iachini can provide the best bruised gum treatment. We’re ready to help answer any questions you have.