A gum burn occurs when your gums come into contact with excessive heat or certain chemical irritants. This can result from consuming foods or beverages that are too hot, such as coffee, pizza, or soup. Chemical burns can also happen from the improper use of some tooth whitening kits containing bleaching agents like peroxide. These burns cause immediate discomfort and require care.
Recognizing Gum Burns
After burning your gums, you will likely experience pain. The affected area may appear red or pink, and feel swollen and tender. Minor burns might show peeling tissue. More severe burns can lead to blisters. Very serious burns may show white patches or a charred appearance, indicating deeper tissue damage.
Assessing the severity of a gum burn involves observing these signs. A first-degree, or superficial, burn affects only the top layer of tissue, causing redness, mild pain, and sometimes peeling skin. These minor burns typically heal on their own. A second-degree burn involves damage to the deeper layers of gum tissue, characterized by bright pink or red skin, blistering, and severe pain. Third-degree burns are the most serious, presenting with a black, gray, or charred appearance and potentially causing numbness due to nerve damage.
Immediate Steps and Professional Care
Immediate action can alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Rinse your mouth with cool water or milk to cool the affected area. Sucking on ice chips or a frozen popsicle can also help numb the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken to manage discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Rinse your mouth several times daily with a warm saltwater solution (about half a teaspoon of salt mixed into eight ounces of lukewarm water). This aids in pain relief and promotes healing. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, as they can irritate the burned tissue. Also, avoid hot, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods, which can aggravate the burn.
Professional dental or medical attention is necessary if the gum burn is severe or shows complications. Seek care if you experience intense, unmanageable pain, develop large blisters, or notice white patches or charred areas. Signs of infection, such as worsening pain, pus, or a fever, also warrant immediate evaluation. If you have difficulty eating or swallowing, or if the burn was caused by chemical substances, consult a dentist or doctor.
The Healing Process
The healing process for a minor gum burn progresses quickly due to the mouth’s rich blood supply. Most superficial burns feel less uncomfortable within two to three days, and the wound heals within a week. During recovery, maintain good oral hygiene and continue to avoid irritants like hot, spicy, or crunchy foods. Opt for soft, cool, or room-temperature foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, to manage discomfort.
Regular saltwater rinses support the healing of gum tissue. As the burn heals, you should observe a gradual reduction in pain, swelling, and redness. If pain worsens, pus develops, or redness persists beyond one to two weeks, these may indicate a complication or infection. In such cases, consulting a dental professional is important for proper recovery and to prevent further issues.