A blood blister in the mouth is an unpleasant experience that can be uncomfortable and even painful. It can occur on any part of the mouth, including the inside of the lips, the tongue, and the inside of the cheek. It’s usually caused by trauma, such as biting or burning your mouth. However, it may indicate an underlying issue, like an infection.
Regardless of the cause, a blood blister in the mouth should not be ignored and should be properly treated. In this article, you’ll learn what causes a blood blister in the mouth, the symptoms, how to treat it at home, and when to see your doctor for medical attention.
8 Common Causes of Blood Blister in Mouth
Blood blister in the mouth usually occurs due to cheek-biting or mouth trauma. It forms when the blood vessels are ruptured, caused by accidentally biting the skin in the mouth while speaking or eating. As blood tries to escape, it accumulates within the epithelial mouth tissue.
Drinking or eating acidic foods, skin infections, and problems with dentures may also lead to the appearance of blood blisters.
There are also other causes of blood blisters in the mouth. Here are 8 common causes of blood blisters in your mouth.
1. Canker Sores
Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are shallow lesions at the base of the gums or tissues in the mouth. These sores are not contagious but can make your talking and eating harder due to pain.
Possible causes for the development of canker sores include:
- Mouthwash or toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate
- Minor mouth injury
- Vitamin B-12, iron, or folic acid deficiency
- Allergic reaction to the presence of bacteria in the mouth
- Emotional stress, Hormonal changes
- Weak immune system or immunodeficiency
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Canker sores are usually small and can disappear within two weeks. If the sore does not heal on its own and is unusually large, see a dentist or doctor for proper treatment.
2. Food Allergies
One of the possible causes of blood blisters in the mouth is a food allergy. Food allergies occur when the immune system thinks that a certain food or substance present in the food is harmful to your body.
This triggers the immune system to release antibodies to attack the substance. This also results in itchy eyes, diarrhea, dry throat, rashes, difficulty breathing, hives, and anaphylactic shock.
The most common food allergies are triggered by protein content in fish, peanuts, eggs, nuts, wheat, milk, and seafood. Over-the-counter antihistamines may alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions from allergens. For severe allergies, seek medical help.
3. Angina BullosaHaemorrhagica
This condition is characterized by the appearance of blood blisters in the mouth. ABH is caused by mild trauma to the mouth’s tissues, such as eating hot food. It usually affects the oropharynx or palate.
Other causes of AngineBullosaHaemorrhagica include:
- The trauma of hot foods
- Restorative dentistry (crowns, fillings)
- Treatment of gum disease
- Dental injections, steroid inhalers
The blood blister heals quickly without further discomfort and scarring. However, there are cases that a large bulla does not rupture and may lead to airway obstruction.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiency is one of the most common causes of blood blisters in the mouth. Lack of vitamins B12 and C can lead to the appearance of blisters filled with blood. Other signs of vitamin C deficiency are bleeding gums, red spots on the skin, nose bleeds, digestive problems, and gingivitis.
You may also experience weight gain, dry hair, a weakened immune system, painful joints, and easy bruising. Low levels of vitamin C may lead to high blood pressure, certain cancers, gallbladder problems, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
The signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include pale skin, tiredness, dizziness, diarrhea, and numbness or tingling sensation. You may also experience constipation, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and mental problems like memory loss and depression.
5. Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
Another possible cause of blood blisters in the mouth is Thrombocytopenia. Usually, a person has 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter. The body renews the platelet supply regularly by producing new ones in the bone marrow. This condition can be inherited. Other factors that can lower platelet count include:
- Medications or health conditions
- Trapped platelets
- Viral infections like HIV or Hepatitis C
- Leukemia
- Anemia
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
Other signs and symptoms of low platelet count include bleeding gums or nose, blood in stool or urine, and easy bruising. You may also experience prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavy menstrual flows, an enlarged spleen, and tiredness.
6. Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is an infection that causes painful sores on your tongue, gums, lips, inside the cheeks, and roof of the mouth. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can affect people of any age. The infection proceeds to three stages.
- Primary infection – During this stage, you may experience oral sores, fever, and other symptoms.
- Latency – The virus moves to the spice’s dorsal root ganglion, a nervous tissue. The virus reproduces in this location and becomes dormant.
- Recurrence – The virus becomes activated again due to emotional or physical stress.
Some signs and symptoms of oral herpes include:
- Tiredness, irritability, and muscle pain
- Burning, tingling, or itching sensation
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
- Painful throat
See a doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms of oral herpes accompanied by a decrease in urination, dry mouth, and drowsiness and if you have a weak immune system.
7. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is also one of the possible causes of blood blisters in the mouth. This condition occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is high and may result in heart ailments.
A person can have hypertension for years without showing any symptoms. The damages continue and can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Symptoms that develop may include headaches, nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing. Some signs do not occur until hypertension has become severe.
8. Behcet’s Syndrome
Behcet’s syndrome, also known as Behcet’s disease, is a condition that causes blood vessel inflammation. There is no exact cause of Behcet’s syndrome, but it can result from an autoimmune disorder.
This occurs when the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the body. Some signs and symptoms of this condition include:
- Painful mouth sores
- Skin rashes and lesions
- Eye inflammation (Uveitis)
- Genital sores
- Inflammation in arteries and blood vessels.
- Diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Headache, fever, disorientation, stroke
If you are experiencing the symptoms of Behcet’s syndrome, visit a professional for proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Treatments for Blood Blister in Mouth
Blood blisters can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers to reduce discomfort and infection. Do not squeeze the blister; see a doctor for antibacterial and antiviral medications. If the blister is caused by vitamin deficiency, you can take supplements or include foods rich in vitamins B12 and C in your diet.
You can also try home treatments for blood blisters in the mouth.
1. Apply ice
You can apply the ice cube to the blood blister to reduce internal bleeding and swelling. The cold temperature of ice can constrict the blood vessels. Wrap an ice cube in a thin towel or plastic bag. Apply it to the blister for ten minutes. Take a break before reapplying. Repeat this treatment until the blister is gone.
2. Cucumber Slices
The silica content in cucumbers can strengthen the tissues in the skin. Cut a cucumber into slices and put it in the refrigerator.
Apply the chilled cucumber slice to the blood blister for five minutes. Repeat this treatment as needed to speed up the healing process.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Another natural treatment for blood blisters in the mouth is aloe vera. It contains anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can alleviate discomfort. Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel. Apply it to the blister.
4. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel has astringent tannins that can lessen discomfort. It can also alleviate inflammation and heal the blister faster. Apply enough amount of witch hazel on the blister and let it dry.
Repeat this treatment four times daily to eliminate blood blisters in the mouth.
5. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric contains medicinal, therapeutic, and antiseptic properties that can treat various skin problems, including minor cuts, burns, and blood blisters.
Mix turmeric powder with honey or rose water to make a paste. Apply this on your blood blister three times a day.
6. Epsom Salt
Another effective remedy for blood blisters in the mouth is Epsom salt. It lessens inflammation and pain caused by the blister and can make it pop naturally. Add one-half teaspoon of Epsom salt to a glass of water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth. Repeat this three times a day to accelerate the healing process.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that can naturally dry out the blood blister. To use this remedy for treating blood blisters, dilute tea tree oil with water.
Apply it to the blister and leave it on for ten minutes. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day.
8. Garlic Oil
Garlic contains components that can accelerate the skin’s healing process while preventing infection. Massage this oil on the blister and let it sit for thirty minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment a few times a day until the blister is gone.
How to prevent Blood Blisters in the Mouth?
Preventing blood blisters in the mouth can be a difficult task, but there are some steps you can take to help reduce your chances of getting them.
One of the most important things you can do is to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth twice daily and keep your tongue clean. You should also visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help keep the bacteria and other organisms that can cause blisters at bay.
In addition, avoid biting or sucking on your lips, cheeks, or tongue. This can cause small tears or abrasions in the skin, which can lead to blisters. If you need to do this, make sure you use a clean tissue or cloth to protect the area from infection.
If you wear braces or retainers, ensure they fit properly and don’t rub against the inside of your mouth. If they do, you should have them adjusted by your orthodontist.
Finally, if you smoke, try to quit. Smoking increases the risk of blood blisters in the mouth.
Final words
If you do develop a blood blister in your mouth, it’s important to keep it clean and dry. Avoid picking at it or trying to pop it, as this can lead to infection. If the blister doesn’t go away in a few days or causes you pain or discomfort, it’s best to see your doctor or dentist for further evaluation and treatment.
