When is bleeding a problem?
Bleeding is a problem if it occurs when you brush or floss your teeth under normal circumstances. If you see blood when you floss or brush your teeth, it could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Contact your dentist for a checkup.
When is bleeding normal?
While bleeding during brushing and flossing is abnormal, bleeding after a tooth extraction is normal and nothing to worry about. There will probably be some blood for a few days after your tooth extraction. Remember that blood mixes with saliva in your mouth, so it often looks much worse than it really is.
How can I help my mouth heal after a tooth extraction?
If your mouth does start bleeding after a tooth extraction, use a clean piece of material or gauze to put pressure on the bleeding area. Keep the pressure there for about 15 minutes. If bleeding is very severe, or continues for a long time contact your dentist.
Follow these other tips to help your mouth heal after a tooth extraction:
- Follow all the instructions given by your dentist. Sometimes this will include taking some pain medications.
- Do not rinse your mouth out for about 24 hours, or as instructed by your dentist. Your mouth begins to heal itself naturally and forms a blood clot in the area where the tooth was extracted. If you rinse your mouth out too soon, you could set back the healing process.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to help reduce swelling and manage pain.
- Keep your head elevated when you lie down.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Be gentle, but don’t stop brushing or flossing your teeth while your mouth heals.