Mouth Sores: Abnormal Swelling Inside the Oral Cavity
Blood blisters in the mouth, also known as angina bullosa hemorrhagica, are a common occurrence that can cause sudden and short-lived oral blood blisters. These blisters, filled with blood, are usually the result of trauma or injury to the delicate blood vessels in the oral tissues. Common triggers include accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or lip, sharp edges of teeth, dental appliances, or hot foods and drinks that cause burns.
However, not all mouth blisters are blood blisters. Some may be related to viral infections such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores—small, fluid-filled blisters usually on or around the lips but sometimes inside the mouth. Other viral infections like gingivostomatitis (commonly caused by HSV-1) can result in multiple painful blisters or sores on the gums, tongue, and lips, often accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. Mouth ulcers such as canker sores look like shallow, round or oval ulcers with a red inflamed border and yellow or white center but are not true blisters.
Most oral blisters, including blood blisters, will heal on their own within a few days. To aid in healing and prevent future lesions, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods, hard foods, acidic foods, and alcohol. Dentures should be removed until a sore heals, and a dentist should be consulted for advice on medications or adjustments to dentures if necessary. Popping the blister should be avoided, and soft foods should be chosen while the blister is healing.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help alleviate pain from oral blood blisters. Local anesthetics such as lidocaine or benzocaine, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, antiseptic drugs with antibacterial ingredients, and medications that narrow the blood vessels (astringents) may provide relief.
A saltwater rinse can help reduce soreness in the mouth, with adding baking soda to the rinse further reducing acidity to ease soreness in the blood blister. To make a saltwater rinse, freshly boiled water or a sterile saline solution can be used, along with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Gargling with the saltwater rinse for 1 to 2 minutes, repeating at 2-hour intervals two to three times a day, may also help reduce soreness.
Coconut oil pulling can potentially speed up healing by reducing bacteria in the mouth. To do this, a person can take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, keep it in the mouth for around 10 minutes, swishing it around the cheeks and gums, and then spit it into a bin.
In some cases, blood blisters in the mouth may require medical attention. If the blister is unusually large, painful, or persistent beyond 1-2 weeks without healing, if blisters frequently recur or are associated with other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, or widespread oral sores, if the blister results from severe trauma or is accompanied by heavy bleeding, if you suspect an infection is present or the blister is spreading, or if you have an immune system disorder or other underlying health conditions that could complicate healing, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, viral cultures, PCR, or blood tests if a viral cause is suspected.
In addition, chamomile tea or a mouthwash containing chamomile can help soothe mouth irritation and promote healing.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Angina bullosa. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina-bullosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20351210 [2] American Dental Association. (2021). Mouth sores and canker sores. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouth-sores-and-canker-sores [3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Canker sores. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17218-canker-sore [4] National Health Service (UK). (2021). Mouth ulcers. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcers/
- Scientific research has shown a potential correlation between multiple sclerosis (MS) and a higher chance of developing eczema, a skin condition.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, skin-care routines often include the use of coconut oil for its various benefits, such as possibly speeding up the healing process of mouth blisters.
- Copd, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common lung disease that can cause depression, both potentially worsening each other's symptoms.
- Predictive analytics can play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), which is one of the most common types of lung cancer.
- The AQ (Air Quality Index) is a scientific tool used to monitor air pollution levels in different areas; high levels of air pollution can exacerbate symptoms in people with certain health conditions, such as COPD.
