How to get gums to stop bleeding after tooth extraction

When bleeding typically stops after extraction

After a tooth is extracted, a dentist or oral surgeon gives the patient gauze to gently bite down on. The gauze helps to absorb blood, and the pressure encourages a blood clot to form. Usually, the patient can take out the gauze three to four hours after the tooth extraction. By this point, a clot should have formed, stopping almost all bleeding.

Some patients become concerned after seeing what looks like a large amount of blood immediately after the extraction. However, blood mixed with saliva often makes it look like the extraction site is bleeding much more than it actually is.

In some cases, residual bleeding may continue up to 24 hours after the extraction. Seeing a small amount of blood periodically appear is normal. If excessive bleeding continues, a patient should reach out to the dentist as soon as possible.

Tips to prevent bleeding from reoccurring

Once a blood clot has formed at the site of a tooth extraction, bleeding stops and the mouth can begin to heal. However, if the blood clot becomes dislodged, it may lead to both excessive bleeding and a painful condition called dry socket. In the days following a tooth extraction, patients should take several precautions.

Avoid drinking through straws

The suction caused by drinking through a straw can often be enough to remove a blood clot. Patients should avoid drinking through straws for a full week after an extraction.

Do not smoke or use tobacco

Smoking can also dislodge a newly formed blood clot. In fact, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing dry socket: A 2011 study published in The Open Dentistry Journal found that 12% of patients who smoked developed dry socket after an extraction (compared to only 4% of non-smokers). Patients should also avoid smokeless tobacco, as certain chemicals found in tobacco products can delay healing.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Bellevue, WA.

Maintain proper oral hygiene

In some cases, bacterial buildup can cause the blood clot to break down. Patients should make sure to keep their mouths clean after a tooth extraction. Some dentists and oral surgeons will prescribe a medicated mouthwash to use for a day or so. Usually, gentle brushing is safe, but a patient's dentist may have specific instructions depending on the type of extraction.

Eat soft foods

The extraction site is likely to be painful for a few days. Soft foods are often easy to eat. However, patients should avoid soup, as sucking on the broth may pull out the blood clot. Crunchy or sticky foods should also be avoided, as they may become stuck in the extraction site.

Conclusion

A tooth extraction can be daunting, but by knowing what to expect, a patient can be prepared for a smooth recovery. Dentists and oral surgeons can talk patients through what they need to do to stop bleeding as soon as possible.

Request an appointment or call Artisan Dental at 425-454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

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Bleeding gums after a tooth extraction procedure is fairly common amongst patients but it can be quite worrisome. It is very important to identify the cause and stop excessive or abnormal bleeding if it occurs. Icon Dental Center, Everett, and Seattle says it is important to get in touch with a dentist immediately if this happens.

Bleeding is usually excessive during the first 24 hours, so make sure that you wait at least a day before taking any of the steps mentioned below. 

• Keep The Head Elevated
• Apply a Wet Gauze on the Affected Area
• Rest Plenty
• Bite on Black Tea
• Choose What You Eat Wisely

Keep The Head Elevated

• Bleeding can easily be slowed down if the blood pressure is restricted by keeping your head elevated. Use bed pillows to achieve this and remain comfortably lying for at least an hour.

Keeping your head higher than your heart lowers the blood pressure which will restrict the bleeding from the affected area. You can even try and sleep with your head elevated if the pain has subsided but the bleeding doesn’t stop.

Apply a Wet Gauze on the Affected Area

• Dampen a piece of gauze with water and roll it up or fold it into a square and then place it on the empty tooth socket or the affected area. Now bite your teeth on the gauze and apply firm pressure and let it be there for at least 45 minutes or an hour. 

If gauze is not readily available in your home, you can also use a folded paper towel. By following this method, you should see a significant reduction in bleeding within 60 minutes.

Rest Plenty

• After any kind of dental surgery, implant, or tooth extraction, resting is very important. Rest plenty for a couple of days following the procedure and this should help clot the blood quicker. You’ll also feel a lot better by just resting.

If it is possible, let your work know that you will be unavailable for a few days before you head out for any kind of dental procedure.

Bite on Black Tea

• You can also use a black tea bag to subside the bleeding. However, it is important that the teabag is wet enough and the tea is made off black leaves that contain tannic acid. This will help stop the bleeding faster than using a gauze.

Apply pressure on the tea bag for at least 30 minutes before easing down. 

Choose What You Eat Wisely

• There is a lot of food and drinks that negatively impact the teeth and tooth extraction. One of the most common mistakes our patients make is that they decide to drink fluids using a straw. According to dentists at Icon Dental Center, Seattle, drinking fluid from a straw can dislodge the blood clot.

Apart from drinking from a straw when you’ve gone through tooth extraction, dental surgery, or implant, also make sure that you do not smoke because it will spread harmful chemicals in your mouth and may dislodge the blood cot as well.

• Avoid carbonated beverages such as soda, and chewy foods such as candy, or anything that is sticky in nature. It is best to keep yourself to soft foods only. Try to consume soups, yogurt, banana, and other food that are not hard and you’ll recover faster.

If you feel unusual pain after a day or two from the procedure, don’t forget to consult your dentist immediately. You can also call us at any time to get a consultation or book an appointment for a follow-up visit.

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