Does Your Mouth Look Like This? Blood Blisters

Discovering a blood blister in your mouth can be a worrisome experience, stirring up a whirlwind of questions and concerns. This blog post is the focal point of our health series, aiming to demystify this condition. Blood blisters, while alarming at first sight, are generally not indicative of a severe health issue and tend to resolve on their own in a few days.

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Blood blisters in the mouth are predominantly the result of oral trauma or inadvertent cheek-biting. This type of oral injury leads to the rupture of blood vessels located beneath the thin layer of mouth tissue, known as the epithelial tissue. Such incidents often occur during everyday activities like eating or talking, where one might accidentally bite down on the soft cheek tissue, causing blood to escape from the damaged vessels and accumulate under the skin, thus forming a blister. However, blood blisters aren’t exclusively caused by trauma; they can also emerge due to other factors such as alcohol misuse, a deficiency in platelet count, afflictions like oral herpes, bouts of stress, or an allergic reaction to specific types of foods, particularly those that are acidic or rich in citric content.

Another less common cause for blood blisters in the mouth is a rare condition known as Angina Bullosa Haemorrhagica (ABH). This benign disorder, mainly affecting the elderly population, remains an enigma in terms of its underlying cause. ABH is characterized by the spontaneous formation of small blood blisters that quickly appear and burst, typically within a day, predominantly on the soft palate, which encompasses the roof of the mouth and inner cheek areas. Although it poses no harm and the blisters usually heal within a few days, its association with patients undergoing dialysis for renal failure, as highlighted in a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology in 2013, suggests a link that merits further investigation.

  Upon noticing a blood blister in your mouth, it’s crucial to maintain composure and not to immediately attempt interventions such as popping the blister. Doing so can exacerbate the situation by increasing the likelihood of an infection. While there’s no medication specifically designed to make blood blisters vanish, there are treatment steps that can be taken to mitigate discomfort, swelling, and potential infection risks. Rather than resorting to squeezing or popping the blister, consider employing over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, applying a cold compress directly to the affected soft palate area can help in reducing swelling. It’s important to let blood blisters heal naturally, which they typically do over a week, and to avoid consuming foods that are either acidic or overly salty, as they can irritate the wound and impede healing.

Should you find yourself dealing with particularly large or persistently painful blood blisters, or if they do not begin to heal after several days, seeking professional advice becomes necessary. It’s essential to have a dentist examine the affected area to rule out any underlying conditions and to provide guidance on appropriate care. For those looking to consult a dental professional, contacting Coast Dental is a recommended step. You can reach out by dialing (877) 880-1212 to locate a Coast Dental office near you, ensuring that you receive the right care and advice for your dental health needs.

Overall, while blood blisters in the mouth may initially cause concern, understanding their common causes, the conditions under which they occur, and the appropriate steps for treatment can help alleviate worries and guide you towards the best course of action for healing.

If the blood blisters are large and painful, or if they persist for several days, consult your dentist to examine the affected area. Call (877) 880-1212 to find a Coast Dental office close to you.