Question: What should I do if bleeding in my mouth will not stop?
Explanation: Uncontrolled oral bleeding is bleeding that persists despite 30 minutes of firm, continuous, correctly applied pressure. Causes include a dislodged clot, a torn blood vessel, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, liver disease, and inherited clotting disorders. Immediate action is direct pressure with gauze placed on the bleeding point, sitting upright, and avoiding rinsing. Do not lie flat. If bleeding continues, or the patient feels lightheaded, pale, or faint, this is an emergency. Attend an emergency department, particularly if the patient is on warfarin, a direct oral anticoagulant, or has a known bleeding disorder.
Related Questions:
Does taking blood thinners mean I will bleed uncontrollably after an extraction?
Not usually. Most patients on anticoagulants have extractions safely without stopping their medication, using local haemostatic measures such as sutures, oxidised cellulose, and tranexamic acid mouthwash. Stopping anticoagulants carries a stroke risk that generally outweighs the bleeding risk. Never stop them without medical advice.
Why should I not rinse my mouth when it is bleeding?
Rinsing washes away the fragile forming clot and restarts the bleeding. The same applies to spitting, using straws, and smoking. For the first 24 hours, avoid all of these. After that, gentle warm salt water rinses help keep the area clean.
Is swallowing blood dangerous?
It is not directly harmful in small volumes, but it irritates the stomach and causes nausea and vomiting, which then dislodges the clot and restarts the cycle. It also makes it impossible to judge how much blood has been lost. Spitting into a bowl gives a better estimate, though gentle spitting only.
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