Some bleeding is normal after a tooth extraction. While common, effective steps can manage and stop it, ensuring a smoother recovery.
Immediate Steps to Control Bleeding
Applying direct pressure to the extraction site is a primary method for controlling bleeding. Your dentist will typically place a sterile gauze pad over the area, and you should bite down firmly on it. This pressure helps a blood clot form, which is essential for stopping the bleeding and protecting the wound. Maintain consistent pressure for 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply pressure for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Keeping your head elevated also assists in reducing blood flow to the extraction site. Lying flat can increase blood pressure in the area, potentially worsening bleeding. When resting or sleeping, prop your head up with pillows for the first 24 hours after the extraction. This elevation helps the blood clot form more effectively.
If sterile gauze is unavailable or not fully effective, a damp black tea bag can be used as an alternative. Black tea contains tannic acid, which acts as an astringent to constrict blood vessels and promote blood clotting. To use, moisten a black tea bag, squeeze out any excess water, and place it directly over the extraction site, biting down gently for about 20 to 30 minutes. The tannins in the tea aid in coagulation.
Actions to Avoid After Extraction
Several actions can dislodge the protective blood clot that forms in the empty tooth socket, leading to prolonged bleeding or a painful condition known as dry socket. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 to 48 hours after extraction. The suction created by these actions can pull the blood clot out of place, delaying healing. Instead, if you need to rinse, do so gently, allowing the liquid to simply drip out of your mouth rather than spitting forcefully.
Using straws should also be avoided for at least 72 hours, and preferably longer, as the sucking motion creates negative pressure in the mouth that can dislodge the blood clot. Similarly, avoid smoking or using oral tobacco products for at least 48 to 72 hours post-extraction. The sucking action involved in smoking, along with the toxic chemicals in tobacco, can interfere with blood flow, impair healing, and significantly increase the risk of dry socket and infection.
Avoid hot liquids or foods for the first 24 hours, as heat can increase blood flow and dislodge the clot. Refrain from disturbing the extraction site with your fingers or tongue, as this can physically dislodge the blood clot or introduce bacteria. Limiting strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first 24 to 72 hours is recommended, as elevating your heart rate can increase blood pressure and lead to more bleeding.
Monitoring Bleeding and When to Call Your Dentist
Light oozing or a reddish tinge in your saliva is normal for up to 24 hours after extraction, typically subsiding gradually. Distinguish this from active, heavy bleeding, which requires attention.
Signs of excessive bleeding include your mouth rapidly filling with blood, the gauze pads becoming fully saturated within 15 to 30 minutes, or the presence of large, continuous clots that do not slow down even after applying pressure as instructed. If bleeding persists heavily for more than 8 to 12 hours, or if it worsens after 24 hours, it may indicate that the blood clot is not forming properly or has been dislodged.
Contact your dentist immediately for severe pain not controlled by medication, or if pain worsens. Other concerning symptoms include swelling increasing after 48 hours, fever above 100.4°F (38°C), foul discharge, or persistent bad breath, as these can indicate infection. If you have any concerns about bleeding or other unusual symptoms, contact your dental professional.