One day you’ve bitten the side of your cheek, the next you can’t feel a thing! Have you ever been amazed at how fast wounds heal in your mouth? Those cuts or scrapes from a crunchy snack or small burns from hot drinks can be painful and cause swelling, but amazingly, only a few hours later you’re on to your next meal minus the discomfort. Let’s take a scientific look with your Ponte Vedra Beach dentist at how amazing your body is and why your mouth heals so quickly.
Let’s Look at Our Oral Tissues
Unlike organ or skin tissue, the oral tissue tends to repair itself very quickly. But why?
Most of the tissue lining your cheeks, gums, tongue, and inner lips are considered “mucous.” Mucous tissue is primarily made up of ground substance, the mucous-like layer that cells float around in, with some fibers and cells for connective purposes.
In contrast, skin tissue has several layers of reconstructing tissue for damaged areas. Since mucous tissue has a much simpler composition, it also has a faster, more straightforward regeneration process with a shorter time period for healing.
Your mouth has a more regular blood flow.
Blood contains cells that are necessary for healing. In addition to a simpler structure, the easy access to blood supply makes it easier to heal your mouth. Mucous tissue is highly vascular, meaning it’s very rich in blood vessels. The easy blood flow brings a lot of nutrients and oxygen to the damage site to catalyze the healing process. Besides that, your mouth is very close to the head and neck, which both have great access to steady blood flow.
Saliva Aids in Healing
A small protein found in saliva called “histatin” did more than previously thought. Up until that time, it was known as an antibacterial agent. But the study found that a wound created in a culture of cell growth healed in less than a day. The culture without saliva remained damaged. A small protein in saliva previously only believed to kill bacteria was responsible for the healing.
Another enzyme found in mucous tissue and saliva is called “secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor” (SLPI) is also involved in many more healing processes in the body. This enzyme embodies anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal properties that aid in recovery. It’s also been recently shown by researchers that SLPI actually blocks HIV-1 infection!
Trust Your Body to Handle It.
The human body has been healing itself for years. You shouldn’t worry if you or a family member gets a cut or sore in your mouth because your body is already on top of the healing process. It will recover at lightning speed!
If you’d like to help it along, you don’t have to do much. You can try gurgling or rinsing the mouth with saline to help heal the wound. A black or green tea bag that’s been submerged in hot water and cooled down can be pressed onto a wound to prevent infection. Black or green tea holds anti-bacterial properties that can help fight off bad bacteria.
If your laceration is deeper than your normal “cheek bite,” it may be time to visit your emergency room—especially if you have excessive bleeding.
Meet the Dentists
When you need advice for dental problems or generally have oral health questions, it’s best to reach out to professionals. Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry has a team of dental experts that would be happy to help you walk through any dental concerns you have. Need to call us? Contact our office by dialing (904) 567-0102.
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FAQs
Why does my mouth heal so quickly? ›
Mouth Tissue Is Different Than Skin Tissue
Also, the mucous membrane in your tongue and cheeks is a bit simpler than typical skin cells. This means that the repair process is easier for your body and doesn't take as much time as healing other types of wounds.
What to Expect: Small cuts and scrapes inside the mouth heal up in 3 or 4 days. Infections of mouth injuries are rare.
What part of the body heals the fastest? ›Mouth wounds heal faster than injuries to other parts of the skin, and now scientists are learning how the mouth performs its speedy repairs.
Does your mouth repair itself? ›The tissue in your mouth and around your gums is made up of mucous. Mucous tissue regenerates very quickly. This means when you injure the inside of your mouth, the tissue starts working automatically to heal itself.
Why do some people heal faster? ›Why Do Some Body Parts Heal Faster Than Others? Healing speed depends on numerous factors, including oxygenation, lifestyle, nutrition and wound location. Injuries in places with higher blood circulation generally heal faster, while wounds in areas that move may require more healing time.
What promotes mouth healing? ›Rinse your mouth with warm salt water right after meals. Saltwater rinses may help healing. To make a saltwater solution for rinsing the mouth, mix 1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow.
How do I know if my mouth is healing? ›About 3 days after your tooth extraction, your gums will begin to heal and close around the removal site. And finally, 7-10 days after your procedure, the opening left by your extracted tooth should be closed (or almost closed), and your gums should no longer be tender or swollen.
How long does it take for gums to heal after dental work? ›Most patients begin to experience significant improvements in their gums within a week of surgery, and their gums will be completely healed within 2 weeks of their treatment.
What vitamin helps you heal faster? ›Vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc help your body to repair tissue damage, fight infections, and keep your skin healthy.
What is the slowest body part to heal? ›Fibrous connective tissues like ligaments and tendons as well as bones, cartilage, and nerves tend to take the longest to heal.
Which part of the human body Cannot heal itself? ›
Teeth are the ONLY body part that cannot repair themselves. Repairing means either regrowing what was lost or replacing it with scar tissue. Our teeth cannot do that. Our brain for example will not regrow damaged brain cells but can repair an area by laying down other scar-type tissue .
Can you make your mouth healthy again? ›Typically unhealthy teeth involve some sort of decay or bacterial growth, so brushing them clean each day can significantly help make them healthy again. Once the teeth are in bad shape, it is best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride in order to help remineralize the enamel.
Why do mouth wounds turn white? ›Any white or yellow pus around the wound could be a sign of infection and is probably accompanied by swelling and pain. Call your dental professional right away to confirm the infection and prescribe an antibiotic.
How can I heal my mouth naturally? ›- Oil Pulling. Oil pulling is a popular age-long practice for removing plaques and other food particles from the mouth with natural oils. ...
- Salt Water. ...
- Eucalyptus Oil. ...
- Brushing Correctly. ...
- Peppermint Essential Oil. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Flossing Regularly. ...
- Hydrogen Peroxide.
You may notice that healthy people seem to recover from wounds or fractures faster than others, and it's not just your imagination. Lifestyle choices impact your overall well-being, including how long it takes to heal after an accident or injury.
What vitamin deficiency causes delayed wound healing? ›Low vitamin A levels can result in delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infection. Serious stress or injury can cause an increase in vitamin A requirements. While the mechanisms of vitamin A in wound healing are still not well understood, it is clear that it plays an important role.
Do positive people heal faster? ›Positive thinking was not just linked to faster physical recovery, but also better decision making in times of traumatic experience.
What vitamin helps heal mouth sores? ›In summary, both vitamin B alone or vitamin B combined with pantothenic acid are effective in treating mouth ulcers. In addition to its effectiveness, vitamin B also significantly reduces the possibility of recurrence, accelerates ulcer healing, and shortens the course of treatment.
What is the best vitamin for teeth and gums? ›- Vitamin C. Found in: Citrus fruits (such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruit), tomatoes, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli, kiwifruit. ...
- Calcium. ...
- Vitamin D. ...
- Phosphorus. ...
- Vitamin A.
Crest Premium Plus Anti-Bacterial toothpaste helps kill plaque-causing bacteria that leads to gingivitis. Crest Premium Plus Anti-Bacterial toothpaste helps kill plaque-causing bacteria that leads to gingivitis.
How do you know if your mouth is unhealthy? ›
- Mouth and Jaw Pain.
- Bleeding and Sore Gums.
- Loose or Lost Teeth.
- Changes in Tooth Surfaces and Enamel.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
- Mouth Sores, Patches, or Lumps.
This blood clot is not visible to your eye but be assured that the process of gum healing has begun. You may feel a little discomfort during this time which is completely normal.
Does vitamin D speed up healing? ›When the skin is injured, a higher amount of vitamin D intake will enhance healing and better outcomes. Additionally, vitamin D promotes the creation of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide the immune system uses to fight off wound infections.
Does B12 help with healing? ›In terms of wound closure, the combinations B9 and B12; B3, B5, B6, and B10; and B3, B5, and B7 improved closure rates by 25% to 30%.
What can cause slow healing? ›- Infection. Your skin is your body's first line of defense against infection. ...
- Poor Circulation. ...
- Poor Nutrition. ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Excessive Swelling. ...
- Repetitive Trauma.
- Get Some Rest. Getting a lot of sleep can help wounds heal more quickly. ...
- Eat Your Veggies. Healthy food and nutritional supplements are said to boost your immune response and prompt the wound healing process. ...
- Don't Stop the Exercise. ...
- Quit Smoking.
We must remember that the most delicate organ in the human body is the brain. Brain is one of the largest and most complex organs of the human body and is made up of more than 100 billion nerves. Brain controls speech, thought, memory, movement and helps in the functioning of many organs in the human body.
Which body part do you need the least? ›- Plica semilunaris – the third eyelid. If you look at your eye, this is the little pink triangle close to your nose. ...
- Coccyx – the tailbone. ...
- Male nipples. ...
- Arrector pili – goosebumps. ...
- Jacobson's organ – the vomeronasal organ. ...
- Plantaris muscle – the 'monkey' muscle. ...
- Image credit: iStock
The brain has no nociceptors – the nerves that detect damage or threat of damage to our body and signal this to the spinal cord and brain.
Which organ can grow back? ›The liver has a unique capacity among organs to regenerate itself after damage. A liver can regrow to a normal size even after up to 90% of it has been removed.
Why do teeth not repair themselves? ›
Each tooth's stem cells produce new dentin, in an attempt to repair the damage. However, this innate repair mechanism has its limits and can only manufacture small amounts of tissue while combating a cavity, injury, or infection. This is why, under normal circumstances, teeth cannot heal themselves.
Which teeth are connected to the heart? ›Heart – Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth) Bladder –Upper and lower incisors. Kidney – Upper and lower incisors.
What vitamin deficiency causes weak teeth? ›Calcium is an important nutrient that people need to consume for strong bones and teeth. When a person does not consume enough calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, they can develop weaker, less-dense bones and teeth. This can lead to osteoporosis and other health complications, such as tooth decay and tooth loss.
What toothpaste makes your teeth stronger? ›Pronamel is designed to help re-harden precious, acid-softened tooth enamel, helping to strengthen teeth. With a low-abrasive, pH neutral formulation, Pronamel toothpaste helps protect your enamel while you brush your teeth.
What is the white stringy stuff in my mouth after brushing my teeth? ›What Is It? The white film in your mouth is a condition known as oral thrush. It is an infection caused by the candida fungus, which is a naturally occurring yeast in your body. Usually, this fungus is kept under control by other bacteria, but sometimes mitigating factors can lead it to grow out of control.
Do mouth wounds get infected easily? ›Some cuts in the mouth can get infected, so your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to prevent this complication. If you're at risk of tetanus due to the object that cut your mouth (something dirty or rusty), your doctor may also recommend getting a tetanus shot.
Which gel is best for mouth ulcer? ›Orajel™ 3X Medicated For All Mouth Sores Gel provides instant relief from mouth sore pain including: canker sores, cold sores and gum irritation, as well as cheek bites and irritation from dentures or braces.
How can I rebuild my teeth and gums naturally? ›- Use a Salt Water Rinse. Saltwater is a great, natural tool to use as an oral rinse. ...
- Drink Green Tea. ...
- Try Practicing Oil Pulling. ...
- Rinse with a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution. ...
- Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene.
- Tip #1: Brush and floss regularly. ...
- Tip #2: Avoid sugary drinks. ...
- Tip #3: Avoid acidic drinks. ...
- Tip #4: Drink lots of water. ...
- Tip #5: Quit smoking.
- Brush the teeth properly. Share on Pinterest Brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help keep gums healthy. ...
- Choose the right toothpaste. ...
- Floss daily. ...
- Rinse your mouth out with care. ...
- Use mouthwash. ...
- Get regular dental checkups. ...
- Stop smoking.
How fast should mouth sores heal? ›
Mouth sores often go away in 10 to 14 days, even if you do not do anything. They sometimes last up to 6 weeks. The following steps can make you feel better: Avoid hot beverages and foods, spicy and salty foods, and citrus.
Why do I get sores in my mouth so easily? ›Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions, such as: viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease. vitamin B12or iron deficiency. Crohn's disease– a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.
Do mouth sores heal quickly? ›Most mouth ulcers are usually harmless and resolve by themselves within 10 to 14 days. Other types of mouth ulcers, such as the aphthous variety or those caused by herpes simplex infection, need topical treatment (such as a mouthwash, ointment or gel).
Do mouth ulcers turn white when healing? ›Hot foods (such as pizza) can cause mouth sores. They also turn white as they heal.
What is the quickest way to get rid of sores in your mouth? ›- DIY mouth rinse. If you can reduce the acidity levels in your mouth, you can speed up healing time. ...
- 2 Milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia works just like salt to eliminate acids in the mouth. ...
- Ice. ...
- Medicated mouthwash. ...
- Aloe vera. ...
- Hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Topical products.
It's possible that your canker sores aren't random, but are a symptom of a larger underlying health issue or disease. Non-healing canker sores are often traced back to root causes such as autoimmune diseases, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or allergies.
What vitamin deficiency causes sores in the mouth? ›If you frequently have mouth ulcers, it could be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. You need this vitamin to keep your nervous system healthy and to make red blood cells, and to release energy from food.
What is the most common cause of mouth sores? ›While viruses are the most common infectious cause of mouth sores, bacteria can cause oral lesions too. For example, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. But mouth sores like gingivostomatitis can be caused by certain bacteria, such as streptococcus and actinomyces.
How do you permanently cure mouth ulcers? ›Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are blisters that appear in the lining of the mouth and tongue. There is no cure for canker sores, but painkillers, antimicrobial mouthwash, numbing sprays and corticosteroid lozenges may provide relief.
What virus causes mouth sores in adults? ›Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The most common cause of gingivostomatitis, HSV-1 is the same virus that causes cold sores.
What antibiotics treat mouth ulcers? ›
Antibiotics like Doxycycline mouthwash may be helpful in the management of recurrent canker sores. Low-dose oral doxycycline may also be taken as pills.
Does stress cause mouth ulcers? ›Mouth ulcers are referred to in the medical community as “aphthous ulcers.” Stress is a common cause of mouth ulcers, and a recent study points to the relationship between mental health and oral health. “The researchers found a significant correlation between experiencing mouth ulcers and depressive symptoms.”