The health of our gums is vital to the health of our teeth. This is because gums serve as a seal around our teeth – a sort of natural barrier for deeper tissues from germs, bacteria and disease.

Being made of soft tissue, gums can be injured from biting down improperly, consuming excessively hot food and drink, falls and more. If your gums become punctured, this can lead to infection.

If you have suffered a gum injury, here are some things to keep in mind:

What Should You Do?

First off, don’t panic. Soft tissue injuries in your mouth don’t typically bleed very much. But when a small amount of blood mixes with a larger amount of saliva, it can give the impression that you are bleeding more than you actually are. Bleeding in your mouth should come to a stop within a few minutes. Meanwhile, here are some helpful steps to take:

1. Rinse thoroughly with a mild saltwater solution.
2. If bleeding continues for more than a few minutes, press a damp piece of gauze (or other clean material) against the injury for a short time.
3. If you are suffering discomfort, icing the affected area for 5-10 minutes should provide relief. Ice also helps to slow down bleeding and reduce swelling.

If after 10 minutes, bleeding continues, contact your Auburn dentist, Dr. Matson. Be sure to keep pressure on the injured area until you have received medical attention.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects (such as splinters from toothpicks or fingernails) when lodged between your teeth and gums are, not only painful, they can lead to infection. Occasionally, certain foods can even become trapped within your gum line.

If you experience this, start by using dental floss to remove the foreign object. You can also attempt to use a toothpick to remove the object but be cautious to not push the object further into your gum line. If these tips aren’t successful, contact your Auburn dentist and make an appointment to have him remove the object. If needed, he will also prescribe medication to prevent infection.

Gum Abscess

A gum abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms between your gums and teeth when battling an infection. Common symptoms include sudden, throbbing toothache, swelling of the gums and face, tenderness and sometimes fever.

Are you suffering from a dental abscess? Schedule an appointment without delay. An untreated dental abscess can spread infection to other parts of your body, causing serious issues. Your Auburn family dentist, Dr. Matson, will be able to determine the exact location of your abscess and provide vital treatment.
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