Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Healthcare Provider
A bruised gum might look like a discoloration where it was bumped or scraped. Just like you can get a bruise on your body, you can also get a bruise on your gums.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of bruised gums.
What Do Bruised Gums Look Like?
A bruised gum might have a different color from the rest of your gums. They might appear dark brown, black, purple, or red.
In addition to the change in color, a bruise on your gums could be painful, and may or may not bleed.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
What Causes Bruised Gums?
The causes of bruised gums include:
Diagnosing Bruised Gums
Which healthcare provider you will see for a diagnosis depends on the reason your gums are bruised.
There are a few factors to consider as to why your gums are bruised. The reasons include:
If you fell and your situation is minor enough to schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider, they can help you evaluate your injury and refer you to a specialist if necessary. If the injury is extreme, seek emergency care.
If the bruising of the gums is related to an issue specifically with the mouth and teeth, a dentist can help you identify the problem and give a diagnosis and treatment plan.
A healthcare provider or dentist will typically ask questions related to your symptoms, and—depending on the injury—take X-rays.
With a condition like thrombocytopenia, a healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and do a blood clot and blood count test. If the platelet count is low, they may order one or more of the following:
Treatment for Bruised Gums
The treatment of bruised andswollen gumsvaries depending on the diagnosis and why they are swollen. The healing time will also vary, depending on the reason why the gums are bruised and if there is a medical condition involved. The following may be treatment options:
If there is a health condition associated with the bruising or an injury that caused it, a healthcare provider can help you diagnose and treat the issue.
A healthcare provider may order a blood transfusion to increase the platelets if thrombocytopenia is diagnosed. The transfusion will happen if the platelet levels are extremely low. Normal levels are 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
If the bruising is related to an enlarged spleen, a healthcare provider may suggest surgery to remove the spleen. Another option is steroids such as immunoglobulins or antibody proteins along with other medications that are known to help stimulate platelet production and reduce the destruction of platelets.
Coping With Gum Pain
If you have gum pain, there are things you can do on your own to help reduce the pain, such as:
If yourgumsare in pain, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Motrin can help. If the pain is severe, call your dentist or healthcare provider so they can help you make the right decision about treatment options.
A Word From VerywellUsually, bruised gums heal over time, however, if there is no improvement within a week, it’s best to see your oral healthcare provider.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Usually, bruised gums heal over time, however, if there is no improvement within a week, it’s best to see your oral healthcare provider.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Usually, bruised gums heal over time, however, if there is no improvement within a week, it’s best to see your oral healthcare provider.
—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.Michigan Medicine.Facial injuries.Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Amalgam tattoo.Mouth Healthy American Dental Association.Teething.Medline Plus.Gingivitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia.Michigan Medicine.Toothache and gum problems.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.Michigan Medicine.Facial injuries.Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Amalgam tattoo.Mouth Healthy American Dental Association.Teething.Medline Plus.Gingivitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia.Michigan Medicine.Toothache and gum problems.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.Michigan Medicine.Facial injuries.Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Amalgam tattoo.Mouth Healthy American Dental Association.Teething.Medline Plus.Gingivitis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia.Michigan Medicine.Toothache and gum problems.
National Institute on Aging.Taking care of your teeth and mouth.
Michigan Medicine.Facial injuries.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Amalgam tattoo.
Mouth Healthy American Dental Association.Teething.
Medline Plus.Gingivitis.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thrombocytopenia.
Michigan Medicine.Toothache and gum problems.
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