If you have recently had a tooth extraction, you may be wondering how to stop the bleeding and heal faster.
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing a damaged or decayed tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While some bleeding is normal and expected after tooth extraction, excessive or prolonged bleeding can cause complications and delay healing.
In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction at home, using simple and natural remedies. We will also explain when you should contact your dentist or seek emergency care if the bleeding does not stop or worsens.
What Causes Bleeding After Tooth Extraction?
Bleeding after tooth extraction is caused by the disruption of blood vessels in the gum tissue and bone around the tooth socket. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the exposed bone and nerves, and to facilitate healing. The blood clot also acts as a seal to prevent bacteria and food particles from entering the socket.
However, sometimes the blood clot can be dislodged or dissolved by various factors, such as:
- Rinsing or spitting too vigorously
- Drinking through a straw or sucking on candies
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Eating hard or sticky foods
- Brushing or flossing near the extraction site
- Taking blood thinners or aspirin
- Having high blood pressure or diabetes
- Having an infection or dry socket
When the blood clot is lost, the socket becomes exposed and vulnerable to bleeding, pain, and infection. This condition is called dry socket, and it affects about 2% to 5% of tooth extraction patients. A dry socket usually occurs within the first week after tooth extraction, and it requires immediate dental attention.
How to Stop Bleeding After Tooth Extraction at Home
The following are some home remedies that can help you stop bleeding after tooth extraction at home:
Apply Pressure with Gauze
This is the most effective and simple way to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. As soon as your dentist removes the tooth, they will place a sterile gauze pad over the socket and ask you to bite down on it firmly for 15 to 30 minutes.
This will help compress the blood vessels and form a blood clot in the socket. You may need to change the gauze pad several times until the bleeding stops. Make sure to use clean and damp gauze pads, and avoid touching the extraction site with your fingers or tongue.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to your cheek or jaw can help reduce swelling, pain, and bleeding after tooth extraction. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and hold it against your face for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause frostbite. You can use a cold compress for up to 48 hours after tooth extraction.
Try Black Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannic acid, which is a natural astringent that can help contract the blood vessels and promote clotting. To use this remedy, wet a black tea bag in cold water and squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the tea bag over the socket and bite down on it gently for 20 to 30 minutes. You can repeat this process as needed until the bleeding stops.
Avoid Activities that Can Dislodge the Blood Clot
As mentioned earlier, there are certain things that you should avoid doing after tooth extraction, as they can interfere with the formation and stability of the blood clot. These include:
- Rinsing or spitting for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction
- Drinking hot, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction
- Drinking through a straw or sucking on anything for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction
- Smoking or chewing tobacco for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction
- Eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction
- Brushing or flossing near the extraction site for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction
- Exercising or lifting heavy objects for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction
Eat Soft and Nutritious Foods
Eating a balanced diet can help your body heal faster after tooth extraction. However, you should avoid foods that can irritate or damage the extraction site, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, crackers, pretzels, granola bars, etc. Instead, opt for soft and easy-to-chew foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as:
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Avocado
- Cooked vegetables
- Fish
- Chicken
- Tofu
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and well-being, especially after tooth extraction. Drinking enough water can help flush out toxins, prevent dehydration, and promote healing.
However, you should avoid drinking water for at least an hour after tooth extraction, as this can wash away the blood clot. You should also avoid drinking water from a bottle or a straw, as this can create a sucking motion that can dislodge the blood clot. Instead, drink water from a glass or a cup, and sip it slowly and gently.
Take Painkillers and Antibiotics as Prescribed
Your dentist may prescribe you some painkillers and antibiotics to help you manage the pain and prevent infection after tooth extraction. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to take these medications, and do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration.
You should also avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can thin your blood and increase bleeding. If you have any allergies or side effects from the medications, contact your dentist immediately.
When to See a Dentist or Seek Emergency Care
While bleeding after tooth extraction is normal and usually stops within a few hours, sometimes it can be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. You should see your dentist or go to the emergency room if:
- The bleeding does not stop or slow down after 24 hours
- The bleeding is heavy or gushing, and you need to change the gauze pad more than once every hour
- The bleeding is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or signs of infection
- The bleeding is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or pus around the extraction site
- The bleeding is accompanied by difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- The bleeding is caused by an injury or trauma to your mouth or face
These symptoms could indicate a dry socket, an infection, an allergic reaction, nerve damage, or a hemorrhage, which are all serious complications that need urgent treatment.
Conclusion
Bleeding after tooth extraction is a common and expected occurrence that usually stops on its own within a few hours. However, you can speed up the healing process and prevent complications by Giving some simple home remedies.
However, if the bleeding does not stop or worsens after 24 hours, or if you experience any other symptoms that indicate a serious problem, you should contact your dentist or seek emergency care as soon as possible.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction at home, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!