When bleeding occurs in the mouth, it can be a concerning experience. Whether it stems from a recent dental procedure, an injury, or an underlying issue, knowing how to respond effectively is important. This guide provides practical steps to manage immediate oral bleeding, offers insights into its common causes, when to seek professional care, and strategies for prevention.
First Aid for Oral Bleeding
When a tooth or gum area bleeds, applying direct pressure is an immediate and effective step to encourage clotting. Take a clean piece of gauze, a cotton ball, or a moistened black tea bag, and fold it into a small pad. Position this pad directly over the bleeding site, applying firm but gentle pressure. For a tooth socket after an extraction, bite down on the gauze or tea bag for at least 20 to 30 minutes, without frequently checking, as this can dislodge the forming clot.
Black tea bags are useful because they contain tannins, natural compounds that help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. After applying pressure, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for at least 24 hours, as these actions can disrupt the blood clot and prolong bleeding. Keeping your head elevated, especially when resting, can also help reduce blood flow to the area and minimize bleeding. An ice pack or cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek near the bleeding site can further constrict blood vessels, helping reduce swelling and slow bleeding.
Common Causes of Oral Bleeding
Oral bleeding often stems from gum disease. Gingivitis, the initial stage, causes red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form that can lead to tissue and bone damage supporting the teeth. Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, is the primary cause of gum inflammation and bleeding if not regularly removed through good oral hygiene.
Other factors can contribute to oral bleeding. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or improper flossing techniques irritate and damage gum tissue, leading to bleeding. Recent dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or deep cleanings, are common causes of temporary bleeding as tissues heal. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin, rivaroxaban, or clopidogrel, increase the likelihood of bleeding due to their effect on blood clotting. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or puberty, make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.
When to Get Professional Help
While minor oral bleeding often resolves with home care, certain situations require immediate professional dental or medical attention. If bleeding persists for more than 15 to 20 minutes despite applying firm pressure, seek help. Heavy or uncontrollable bleeding, especially after a tooth extraction, requires urgent care. Signs of infection, such as worsening pain, increased swelling, fever, pus discharge from the site, or a foul taste/smell, prompt a visit to your dentist.
Bleeding accompanied by significant pain, particularly if it interferes with eating or speaking, requires evaluation. If the bleeding follows a substantial injury to the mouth, jaw, or face, or if you suspect a fractured tooth or jaw, seek professional assessment. Persistent bleeding gums not linked to recent dental work or minor trauma, or accompanied by other symptoms like changes in gum appearance, loose teeth, or general unwellness, warrant a dental check-up to identify any underlying conditions.
Strategies to Prevent Oral Bleeding
Consistent oral hygiene is fundamental to preventing future oral bleeding. Brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps remove plaque and food particles that can irritate gums. Use gentle, circular motions, angling the brush towards the gumline. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as hard brushing can cause damage. Daily flossing is equally important for removing plaque from between teeth and along the gumline, areas a toothbrush may not effectively reach.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for plaque and tartar removal, which cannot be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone. Most dental professionals recommend visits every six months, though individuals with specific oral health concerns or risk factors may need more frequent appointments. Discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist and doctor, especially if they are known to affect bleeding or oral health, for appropriate management or alternative options. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins C and K, supports gum health and can help reduce the risk of bleeding.