How Long Does It Take to Recover and When to See a Doctor?
Your gums are tender and tend to bleed easily compared to other parts of your body. However, cuts on the gum do not take time to heal. It will take four days for a minor cut in the gum to heal. If the cut is more severe and needs stitches or if it gets infected, it will take longer for it to heal. You might also be admitted to the hospital, for your doctor to closely monitor your progress.
A cut on your gum should not be overlooked; even though it is most usually mild, it is important to see a health care professional if it persists and isn’t Improving within a couple of days.
Your gum injury can get infected despite treatment. Immediately seek treatment if you notice any infections to prevent spread and complications. A mild infection can still be treated at home with prescribed oral antibiotics [3], while more severe cases may require hospitalization.
If the cut in your gum continues to bleed, then you should see a medical professional right away. A situation where the injury gets better but then worsens again also requires medical attention. Ten minutes is enough time for the bleeding to stop. If it continues, seek a medical emergency.
Other signs that warrant emergency care include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing food or fluid
- Pain or swell in the gum that makes it difficult to close your mouth
If your gum bleeds without having any cut or experiencing any pain, you should see your dentist to diagnose and find out if you have periodontal disease [4], a medical term for gum disease.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Non-Stop bleeding of the gums
- Bad breath [5]
- A receding gum line
- The gum turning red
- Swelling of the gum
- Your teeth feel like they are going to remove
Gum disease can be reversed if immediate treatment is given. Immediately call your dentist if your bleeding can not be traced to any cut or if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.