Gum cuts can happen for many reasons: biting down awkwardly on a pointy piece of food, jamming your toothbrush bristles into the gums when brushing too vigorously, or getting hit in the mouth while playing sports. The good news is that most gum injuries are minor and can be treated at home, with a little care.
Like other cuts in the mouth and face, gum injuries tend to bleed a lot. This is because the gums have a heavy blood supply, similar to the tongue and lip areas. Gum cuts might also look red or swollen, and might turn white in color as the wound heals. This is a normal response to trauma and should clear up within a few days.
The mouth is a very sensitive place, and it is easy to wound soft tissues in the area. It is important to rinse a cut with diluted salt water (or an antiseptic mouthwash) to clean and sanitize the wound, especially if there is a lot of bleeding. Bleeding that won’t stop with compression or is severe is a medical emergency and should be treated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
It is also common for bruised gums to develop from teething in babies, or from objects they use to soothe the pain of teething. Bruises may be dark red, brown, or bluish in color, and might feel tender. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate mild pain and discomfort.