A bleeding tooth can be an unsettling experience. While common, it can stem from various reasons, from minor irritations to more significant issues. Understanding how to manage bleeding and recognizing when professional attention is needed can provide reassurance. This article guides you through immediate actions and long-term oral health considerations.
Immediate Steps to Stop Bleeding
To stop a bleeding tooth, apply gentle, continuous pressure to the affected area. Use a clean piece of gauze or a black tea bag folded into a pad, placing it directly over the bleeding site. Black tea contains tannic acid, which promotes blood clotting and constricts blood vessels. Bite down or hold the pad firmly for 15 to 20 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the cheek, directly over the bleeding area, can help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels, slowing blood flow. Hold the compress for 10-minute intervals, alternating with 10 minutes off. Keeping the head elevated above the heart also helps reduce blood pressure in the head and neck region, minimizing blood flow to the bleeding area.
If bleeding has slowed significantly or is from a non-extraction wound, a gentle rinse with a warm saltwater solution can cleanse the area. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds before spitting. For extraction sites, avoid rinsing for the first 24 hours unless directed by a dentist, as vigorous rinsing can dislodge the crucial blood clot.
Once a clot forms, avoid disturbing it to prevent re-bleeding. Refrain from vigorous rinsing, forceful spitting, or using straws, as suction can dislodge the clot. Also, avoid probing the area with your tongue or fingers. Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen immediately after bleeding starts, as these can thin the blood. Avoid hot liquids or foods, which can increase blood flow to the area.
Common Reasons for Bleeding
Bleeding from the mouth, especially around teeth, often indicates an underlying issue. Common causes include trauma or injury, such as biting down hard or sustaining an impact during sports. A recent tooth extraction also naturally results in some bleeding as the body forms a clot for healing.
Gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, is a frequent cause, characterized by swollen, red gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. This condition often arises from plaque buildup along the gumline. If left unaddressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease where supporting bone and tissues around the teeth are damaged. Aggressive brushing or flossing can also cause temporary bleeding by irritating delicate gum tissues. Ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures can also rub against the gums, leading to irritation and bleeding.
When to Seek Professional Care
While many bleeding episodes can be managed at home, some situations require professional dental or medical attention. If bleeding continues despite 20 to 30 minutes of continuous, firm pressure, immediate evaluation is needed. Heavy or excessive bleeding, especially if disproportionate to the injury, also warrants prompt professional intervention.
Signs of infection, such as fever, significant swelling, or worsening pain around the bleeding site, are serious indicators. Bleeding accompanied by substantial head or face trauma, especially with a suspected fracture or concussion, requires emergency medical assessment. Recurring or persistent bleeding that does not resolve after a day or two suggests an ongoing problem a dentist should investigate. If bleeding occurs after a recent tooth extraction and differs from post-operative instructions, contact your dentist.
Aftercare and Future Prevention
After a bleeding episode subsides, careful aftercare supports healing and helps prevent recurrence. For a day or two, maintain a soft diet to reduce stress on the healing area. Avoid straws, forceful spitting, or vigorous rinsing, especially after an extraction, to protect the newly formed blood clot.
Gentle oral hygiene around the affected area is encouraged, perhaps using a very soft toothbrush initially. Maintaining good overall oral hygiene, including regular brushing twice daily and flossing once a day, is important for gum health. Consistent dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically twice a year, allow dentists to identify and address issues before they become severe. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or activities with a risk of facial impact offers protection against traumatic injuries that can cause bleeding.