It is common to experience a blood taste in your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. While unsettling, this sensation typically indicates a normal part of recovery. Understanding this can alleviate anxiety during the post-operative period.
Understanding Blood Taste After Extraction
A mild, metallic taste of blood is an expected occurrence during the initial days following wisdom teeth extraction. This taste does not signal a problem, but rather small amounts of blood mixing with saliva. Differentiate this lingering taste from active, heavy bleeding. While some oozing is normal, profuse bleeding requires immediate attention. The sensation of tasting blood can persist for up to 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Reasons for the Blood Taste
The metallic taste often comes from the iron in your blood, even if only a small amount is present. After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket, which is an important part of healing. This clot protects exposed bone and nerves, providing a foundation for new tissue growth. Small amounts of blood or fluid from this healing clot can mix with saliva, leading to the noticeable taste.
Residual blood from the surgical procedure can contribute to the taste. Even minor oozing from the surgical site, which is normal, can be enough to create a distinct metallic flavor. Taste buds are highly sensitive, detecting minute quantities of blood, making the sensation more pronounced than the actual amount suggests.
Managing the Blood Taste and Bleeding
Managing blood taste and minor bleeding after wisdom teeth removal involves gentle care to promote healing. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad is placed over the extraction site; biting down firmly for 30 to 45 minutes applies pressure and encourages clot formation. Replace gauze as needed if oozing continues, ensuring firm, consistent pressure. Elevating your head with pillows when resting also reduces blood pressure, minimizing bleeding.
Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first 24 hours, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot, prolonging bleeding. After 24 hours, gentle rinsing with warm salt water helps keep the mouth clean and soothe tissues. Prepare this rinse by mixing about one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water; swish gently, allowing water to drip out rather than spitting forcefully. Maintaining good oral hygiene around the extraction site, without disturbing the clot, is important for healing.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While a mild blood taste is normal, certain signs indicate contacting your dentist or oral surgeon. Seek professional attention for heavy, continuous bleeding that does not stop with sustained pressure, or if bleeding worsens after the initial post-operative period. Signs of infection, such as fever, worsening swelling after 72 hours, pus discharge from the site, or a persistent bad taste or odor that is not simply metallic, warrant immediate contact.
Severe pain that worsens or does not respond to prescribed medication, especially a few days after surgery, could indicate complications like dry socket. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or persistent numbness around the lips, tongue, or chin, should also prompt a call to your dental professional. Early intervention can help prevent more serious issues and ensure a smoother recovery.