Blood Blister in Mouth: 10 Causes with Natural Remedies

If you’ve ever noticed a painful, raised bump inside your mouth, chances are you’ve experienced a blood blister. These pesky little lesions can be downright uncomfortable, making even the simplest tasks like eating and talking a real challenge.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Blood blisters in the mouth are a fairly common occurrence, and they can have a variety of underlying causes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the 10 most common culprits behind these unwelcome mouth intruders, as well as the best ways to find relief and prevent future outbreaks.

What is a Blood Blister in the Mouth?

A blood blister in the mouth is exactly what it sounds like – a small, fluid-filled bubble that appears on the soft tissues inside your oral cavity. These blisters are typically red or purple in color due to the presence of blood within the blister.

Blood blisters form when the delicate skin inside the mouth becomes damaged, often from irritation, friction, or trauma. This causes the skin to separate from the underlying tissues, creating a pocket that fills with blood and serum.

While they may look alarming, blood blisters in the mouth are generally not a serious condition. They can, however, be quite painful and annoying, making it difficult to eat, drink, or even speak comfortably.

The good news is that most oral blood blisters will heal on their own within a week or two. But understanding the potential causes can help you avoid them in the first place and get the appropriate treatment if they do occur.

10 Common Causes of Blood Blister in Mouth

1. Accidental Biting

One of the most common causes of blood blisters in the mouth is accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, lip, or tongue. This can happen while eating, talking, or even sleeping. This is especially common in children who are still learning to chew and navigate their mouths.

The delicate skin inside the mouth is easily damaged by the force of your teeth coming together. This can cause the skin to separate and fill with blood and fluid, forming a painful blister.

To help prevent accidental biting, it’s important to be mindful of your chewing and speaking habits. Taking smaller bites, chewing slowly, and being extra careful when eating hot or crunchy foods.

This can all reduce the risk of accidentally nipping the inside of your mouth. You may also want to consider wearing a mouthguard if you tend to grind your teeth at night, as this can also lead to accidental biting.

2. Dental Trauma

Beyond just biting the inside of your mouth, any kind of dental trauma can also lead to the formation of a blood blister. This could include:

• Scratches or abrasions from dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or braces
• Injuries from sports or accidents that impact the teeth or mouth
• Ill-fitting dentures or other oral appliances that rub against the soft tissues

The trauma from these events can damage the delicate skin, causing it to separate and blister. Seeking prompt medical attention and proper treatment for any oral injuries is crucial to prevent complications like infection and promote faster healing.

Your dentist may recommend applying a topical antibiotic ointment or using a medicated mouthwash to keep the area clean and promote healing. They may also suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort in the meantime.

3. Canker Sores

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that can appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth. While canker sores don’t typically involve blood blisters. In some cases the sore may start as a blister-like lesion before progressing into a more typical ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores is not fully understood, but they are thought to be linked to factors like stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and underlying health conditions. Genetic predisposition may also play a role.

Treating canker sores often involves the use of over-the-counter numbing gels, prescription mouthwashes, or even corticosteroid medications to reduce pain and promote healing. Avoiding irritating foods and practicing good oral hygiene can also help prevent future outbreaks.

Plus, your dentist or doctor may recommend taking supplements like L-lysine or vitamin B12, as deficiencies in these nutrients have been associated with an increased risk of canker sores.

4. Oral Herpes

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also manifest with blood blister-like lesions inside the mouth. This typically occurs with the initial outbreak of oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters.

The first signs of an oral herpes outbreak are often small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on the lips, gums, tongue, or other areas of the mouth. These blisters may burst, leaving behind painful sores.

Antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir can help shorten the duration and severity of an oral herpes outbreak. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can also provide relief. It’s important to avoid touching or kissing anyone during an active outbreak to prevent spreading the virus.

In between outbreaks, your doctor may recommend taking daily antiviral medication to suppress the virus and reduce the frequency of future breakouts. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding triggers like stress or illness can also help manage oral herpes.

5. Oral Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of lesions and irritations in the mouth, including blood blisters. These blisters often appear as small, red or white bumps on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks.

In addition to the blisters, oral lichen planus may also cause other symptoms like pain, burning, and difficulty eating. The condition is chronic, meaning it can come and go over time.

Managing oral lichen planus typically involves the use of topical or systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Your dentist or oral healthcare provider may also recommend avoiding spicy or acidic foods that can further irritate the affected areas.

6. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth. While thrush doesn’t typically present with blood blisters, in some cases the lesions may start out as small, blister-like bumps.

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which is naturally present in the mouth. It’s more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.

Antifungal medications, both topical and oral, are the main treatment for oral thrush. These may include nystatin, miconazole, or fluconazole, depending on the severity of the infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding sugary or starchy foods that feed the Candida fungus can also help prevent and manage this condition.

7.Oral Cancer

In rare cases, blood blisters in the mouth may be an early sign of oral cancer. Cancerous lesions can sometimes start out as small, blister-like growths on the lips, tongue, or other areas of the mouth.

Along with the presence of a blood blister, other potential warning signs of oral cancer include unexplained lumps or thickening of the tissue, persistent sores or ulcers, and difficulty swallowing. It’s crucial to have any persistent or unusual mouth sores evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Early detection is key for successful treatment of oral cancer, so don’t hesitate to get any concerning lesions checked out. Your dentist or doctor can perform a biopsy to determine if the blister is cancerous and provide appropriate next steps.

8. Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis

People undergoing chemotherapy treatment are at an increased risk of developing painful mouth sores, including blood blisters. This condition, known as oral mucositis, is a common side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.

The chemotherapy medications can damage the rapidly dividing cells that line the inside of the mouth, leading to inflammation, ulceration, and the formation of blood blisters. Mucositis can make eating, drinking, and even speaking extremely uncomfortable.

Treating chemotherapy-induced mucositis often involves a combination of pain management, infection prevention, and supportive care.

Your oncology team may recommend special mouthwashes, oral gels, or topical numbing agents to provide relief. They may also prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene and avoiding irritating foods can also help minimize the severity of mucositis during cancer treatment.

9. Vitamin Deficiencies

Believe it or not, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also contribute to the development of blood blisters in the mouth. Specifically, low levels of vitamin B12, folate, and iron have been linked to an increased risk of oral lesions.

These nutrient deficiencies can affect the integrity and healing ability of the delicate tissues inside the mouth. This making them more susceptible to damage and blister formation. People with dietary restrictions, malabsorption disorders, or certain chronic illnesses are more prone to these deficiencies.

The good news is that addressing the underlying nutritional imbalance through supplementation or dietary changes can often help resolve recurrent mouth blisters.

It’s important to note that addressing nutritional deficiencies may not provide immediate relief for an existing blood blister, but it can help prevent future outbreaks and promote overall oral health.

10. Stress and Anxiety

Last but not least, emotional stress and anxiety have also been linked to the development of blood blisters in the mouth. When we’re under high levels of psychological stress, it can manifest physically in the form of mouth sores, teeth grinding, and other oral health issues.

The exact mechanisms behind the stress-mouth blister connection aren’t fully understood. But it’s believed that stress can weaken the immune system and disrupt the normal functioning of the oral tissues. This makes them more vulnerable to irritation and damage that can lead to blister formation.

While we can’t always eliminate stress from our lives, finding healthy ways to manage it through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or counseling can go a long way in preventing stress-induced mouth blisters. Taking care of your overall well-being is key.

10 Best Natural Remedies for Blood Blister in Mouth

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse is a simple yet effective remedy for blood blisters in the mouth. The saltwater helps cleanse the area and promotes faster healing. Salt has antimicrobial properties that can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. The warm water in the rinse also provides soothing relief to the affected area.

• Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
• Gently swish the solution in your mouth, ensuring it reaches the affected area.
• Continue gargling for about thirty seconds.
• Spit out the rinse and avoid swallowing it.
• Repeat this remedy three to four times a day for optimal results.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with blood blisters. The gel derived from aloe vera leaves contains enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that promote healing and provide relief.

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant.
• Apply a small amount of the gel directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Gently massage the gel into the blister.
• Leave it on for fifteen minutes to allow the healing properties to take effect.
• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any residue.
• Repeat this process two to three times daily until the blister heals.

3. Tea Bags

Tea bags, particularly black tea bags, contain tannins that can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by blood blisters. Tannins are astringent compounds that constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and promoting healing.

• Steep a black tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
• Remove the tea bag from the water and let it cool down until warm.
• Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the tea bag.
• Apply the warm tea bag directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Hold it against the blister for ten to fifteen minutes.
• Repeat this remedy twice a day for quick relief.

4. Honey

Honey possesses natural antibacterial and healing properties, making it an excellent remedy for blood blisters in the mouth. It helps create a protective barrier over the blister, preventing further infection and promoting faster healing.

• Dab a small amount of honey onto a clean cotton swab.
• Apply the honey directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Leave it on for twenty minutes to allow the honey to work magic.
• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove the honey.
• Repeat this process three times a day until the blister disappears.

5. Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth.
• Gently hold the ice pack against the blood blister in your mouth.
• Apply gentle pressure to ensure contact with the blister.
• Hold the ice pack in place for ten to fifteen minutes.
• Take short breaks between applications to prevent frostbite.
• Repeat this remedy several times a day for relief from discomfort.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil possesses antimicrobial properties and can help promote faster healing of blood blisters. It forms a protective layer over the blister, preventing further irritation and reducing the risk of infection.

• Take a small amount of coconut oil on your clean finger or a cotton swab.
• Apply the oil directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Gently massage the oil into the blister.
• Leave it on for at least twenty minutes to allow the healing properties to penetrate.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any residue.
• Repeat this process two to three times daily until the blister heals.

7. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda can help neutralize acids in the mouth and reduce pain and inflammation caused by blood blisters. It creates an alkaline environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and promotes healing.

• Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Leave it on for fifteen minutes to allow the baking soda to work.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove the paste.
• Repeat this remedy once or twice a day until the blister heals.

8. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent remedy for blood blisters in the mouth. It can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote faster healing.

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Gently massage the paste into the blister.
• Leave it on for twenty minutes to allow the healing properties of turmeric to take effect.
• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any residue.
• Repeat this process twice a day for optimal results.

9. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel contains astringent properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the mouth. It can also help cleanse the blister, reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.

• Soak a clean cotton ball in witch hazel.
• Apply the cotton ball directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Gently press it against the blister for ten minutes.
• Remove the cotton ball and discard it.
• Repeat this remedy two to three times daily until the blister disappears.

10. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has soothing properties that can help alleviate pain and promote the healing of blood blisters. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce inflammation and provide relief.

• Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
• Allow the tea bag to cool down until warm.
• Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the tea bag.
• Apply the warm tea bag directly to the blood blister in your mouth.
• Hold it against the blister for fifteen minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove any residue.
• Repeat this process twice a day for relief.

How to Prevent blood blisters in the Mouth?

To help prevent blood blisters in the mouth, you can follow these preventive measures:

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene. This can help prevent oral infections that may contribute to developing blood blisters.

2. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects

Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, ice, or your fingernails. These habits can cause trauma to the delicate tissues in your mouth and increase the risk of developing blood blisters.

3. Avoid irritating or spicy foods

Certain foods, such as acidic or spicy ones, can irritate the tissues in your mouth and potentially lead to blood blisters. Avoid these foods if you notice they trigger blister formation.

4. Use caution when eating or drinking

Take care when consuming food or beverages that are too hot, as they can cause burns and subsequent blood blisters. Additionally, avoid accidentally biting your lips or cheeks while eating.

5. Manage stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can contribute to habits like teeth grinding or biting the inside of your mouth, leading to blood blisters. Engaging in stress-reducing activities and practicing relaxation techniques can help prevent these habits.

6. Stay hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain the health of your oral tissues. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and reduce the risk of irritation or dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are blood blisters in the mouth contagious?

No, blood blisters in the mouth are not contagious. They are typically caused by accidental injury or irritation.

2. How long does a blood blister in the mouth take to heal?

The healing time for a blood blister in the mouth can vary depending on the severity of the blister and individual healing abilities. Generally, a blood blister may take a few days to weeks to heal completely.

3. Can I pop a blood blister in the mouth?

It is not recommended to pop a blood blister in the mouth as it may lead to further infection or complications. Instead, allow the blister to heal naturally.

4. When should I seek medical attention for a blood blister in the mouth?

If the blood blister persists for more than two weeks, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection (such as pus or excessive redness), it is advisable to seek medical attention.