Blood blisters in the mouth usually result from accidental injury. Most respond to home treatment, such as a saltwater gargle, oil pulling with coconut oil, or over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

However, they can have other causes, especially if they often occur or do not heal. There are ways for someone with blood blisters in their mouth to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

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A blister is a fluid-filled sac on the surface of the skin. A blood blister in the mouth may look like a sore or sac inside the mouth filled with blood.

Many blood blisters in the mouth develop when blood vessels just below the skin rupture. The blood from the blood vessel gets trapped under the skin, causing a blood blister to form.

Blisters usually have fairly harmless causes, including:

A rare condition known as angina bullosa hemorrhagica causes oral blood blisters to form suddenly. The blood blisters last only a short time before bursting and leaving a shallow ulcer that heals in 1 to 2 weeks without scarring.

It is not harmful unless a large blister blocks the airway. However, it can cause discomfort and pain, so it is best for a person to speak with a doctor if they think they have angina bullosa hemorrhagica.

Some oral blood blisters occur due to more serious causes, including:

Most blood blisters in the mouth do not require a doctor’s care. However, people may need to seek medical attention in the followingTrusted Source cases:

If a person has dentures or braces that cause blood blisters, their dentist or orthodontist may be able to adjust the appliance so it does not cause any more problems.

Most blood blisters in the mouth heal on their own, and a person can manage them with home remedies.

Saltwater rinse

Saltwater has antibacterial properties, and a saltwater rinse can helpTrusted Source reduce soreness in the mouth.

Adding baking soda to the rinse can also reduce acidity in the mouth to ease soreness in the blood blister.

To make a saltwater rinse for an oral blood blister, a person can:

  1. Use freshly boiled water or a sterile saline solution.
  2. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water.
  3. Gargle with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Repeat at 2-hour intervals two to three times a day.

Coconut oil pulling

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that oil pulling can reduce bacteria in the mouth, which could speed up healing.

To do this, a person can:

  1. Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and put it in the mouth.
  2. Keep the coconut oil in the mouth for around 10 minutes, occasionally swishing it around the cheeks and gums.
  3. Spit the coconut oil into a bin — avoid spitting it into the sink, as it can harden and block the plumbing.
  4. Rinse the mouth with sterile saline or a saltwater solution.
  5. Brush the teeth to remove any loosened plaque.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is popular for its soothing qualities and can help relieveTrusted Source mouth irritation.

A person with blood blisters in their mouth can try drinking chamomile tea or using a mouthwash that contains chamomile to soothe any soreness and promote healing.

Medications

A person can use OTC medication to ease pain from oral blood blisters.

Some medications that may help includeTrusted Source:

  • Local anesthetics: Local anesthetics such as lidocaine or benzocaine can ease pain from blood blisters. A person can apply them directly to the sores as a gel or cream.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: Medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These include OTC medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Antiseptic drugs: Mouthwashes with antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or triclosan can help stop bacteria from multiplying in the blister, speeding up the healing process.
  • Medications that narrow the blood vessels (astringents): Mouthwashes that contain myrrh or rhubarb root may help some people. These plant-based remedies cause the blood vessels in the mucous membranes to become narrower, which may help relieve the pain.

Blood blisters in the mouth can become uncomfortable.

To help heal lesions in the mouth and prevent them in the future, a person can tryTrusted Source:

  • avoiding spicy foods, hard foods, acidic foods, and alcohol
  • removing dentures until a sore heals
  • speaking with a dentist about medications or to adjust dentures if necessary
  • avoiding popping the blister
  • choosing soft foods while the blister is healing
  • consulting a doctor if the blisters recur often or are large
  • maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing teeth with a soft brush and flossing twice a day

Most oral sores are benign and will go away within 2 weeksTrusted Source. They may resolve faster with home remedies, including saltwater, coconut oil chamomile, and OTC medication.

Occasionally, blood blisters in the mouth may develop due to an underlying cause, such as diabetes or low platelet levels. These conditions require medical treatment.

A blood blister is a blood-filled sore that can occur in the mouth after a minor accidental injury, such as biting the inner lining of the cheek.

Most blood blisters respond to home treatment, such as ice, turmeric, and witch hazel, but large or recurring oral blood blisters may need medical attention.