Blood blister on gum above tooth

A blood blister above a tooth may follow trauma, but infection or another lesion must also be considered.

The swelling may contain blood from an injured small vessel, or it may be a raised gum boil draining inflammation from the tooth or periodontal tissues. A dark red or purple colour alone cannot distinguish trauma from infection.

Do not puncture or squeeze it. Keep the area clean, avoid sharp or hot foods, note whether the tooth is painful or sensitive, and arrange an examination so the tooth, gum pocket, pulp, and nearby tissues can be checked.

Seek prompt dental care if it persists, enlarges, drains pus, or occurs with toothache, swelling, fever, a bad taste, or a loose tooth. Facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing requires urgent assessment.

Ask whether the swelling is traumatic or an infection, whether the tooth needs pulp testing or an X-ray, and what treatment is needed if the source is inside the tooth or gum.