Mild blood loss or a persistent pink tint in the saliva is a normal part of the healing process after wisdom teeth removal. This expected oozing typically continues for the first 24 to 48 hours as the body naturally works to create a protective seal over the extraction site. Understanding the distinction between this normal post-operative seepage and heavier, active bleeding is the first step in managing your recovery safely. Proper care focuses on stopping the source of the bleeding and gently managing the residual blood without disturbing the healing process.
Controlling the Source of Bleeding
Stopping active bleeding requires applying direct pressure to the extraction socket using the sterile gauze pads provided by your surgeon. Fold the gauze into a tight, thick pad and place it directly over the wound, ensuring it covers the socket, not just between the teeth.
Once positioned, bite down firmly for 30 to 45 minutes without checking the pad or shifting the pressure. This action compresses the blood vessels, allowing the natural clotting mechanism to form a stable plug. If bleeding continues after removing the saturated gauze, repeat the process with a fresh pad.
An alternative to gauze is a slightly moistened black tea bag placed over the site for 30 minutes. Black tea contains tannic acid, a natural coagulant that helps constrict small blood vessels and stabilize the blood clot. Maintaining an elevated head position, using extra pillows when resting or sitting upright, also helps reduce blood flow to the surgical area. This gravitational assistance helps lower localized blood pressure, aiding in slowing the seepage from the wound.
Managing Residual Blood and Clots
The goal of aftercare is to protect the newly formed blood clot, which is the biological dressing for the wound. Any forceful action, such as spitting, sucking, or vigorous rinsing, can create negative pressure inside the mouth.
This suction can easily dislodge the fragile blood clot, exposing the underlying bone and leading to a painful dry socket. Therefore, you must resist the urge to spit out accumulating blood or blood-tinged saliva. Instead, let the saliva gently drip into the sink or use a clean tissue to carefully dab the corners of the mouth.
Avoid any form of mouth rinsing entirely for the first 24 hours. After that initial period, if instructed by your surgeon, you can begin using a gentle saltwater rinse. This rinse involves dissolving a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, which is then swished delicately or allowed to pool over the extraction area before tilting the head to let it fall out.
Identifying Excessive Bleeding
Normal post-operative bleeding is characterized by a persistent slow ooze or saliva that remains pink or light red. You should be concerned if the bleeding becomes heavy and appears bright red, suggesting active arterial flow. A reliable measure of excessive bleeding is when a fresh, properly placed gauze pad becomes completely saturated with bright red blood within 15 to 20 minutes, and this rapid saturation continues after multiple attempts to apply pressure.
Signs of significant blood loss, such as feeling dizzy, faint, or weak, indicate a problem that requires immediate attention. Bleeding that continues heavily for four hours or more, despite the correct application of pressure, is beyond normal recovery. If you encounter any of these indicators, contact your oral surgeon or seek emergency medical care promptly.