After undergoing an intense tooth extraction surgery, the one thing that you should expect is blood — a lot of it.
Bleeding is a common side effect of tooth extraction. Often, patients get worried at the sheer amount of it. But as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and take proper care, it will stop eventually. Typically, it takes 24 hours for it to stop. However, if it refuses to stop and the gauze in your mouth keeps getting soaked, it might be time to take preventative measures. The very first thing you should do is let your dentist know immediately. Then, try the tips mentioned in this blog to stop the bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Technically, the excessive bleeding should stop within 3-5 hours after wisdom tooth extraction, but you can expect to see splotches of blood for up to 24 hours. This is completely normal and nothing to be afraid of. It’s only if the bleeding doesn’t stop by the third day that you should visit your dentist and let them take a look. For the extraction site to heal, it is necessary for a blood clot to form and seal the socket.
How To Stop Bleeding After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
It can be frustrating to switch out the blood-soaked gauze in your mouth over and over again, especially if the bleeding is on the heavier side. In order to stop it, you can try wrapping a small piece of ice cube in the gauze and press it down over the site. Or, if that doesn’t work, take a look below and try following the tips.
Use a Folded Piece of Gauze
Dentists recommend using gauze, folding it, and then pressing it firmly on the extraction site. The pressure will halt the bleeding while the gauze soaks up the excess blood.
Bite on a Black Tea Bag
Black tea is known to contain tannins, which are hemostatic. Gently biting down on a moist black tea bag will put the tannin to work as it coagulates the blood. This will help form a blood clot, effectively stopping the bleeding.
Keep Your Head Elevated
When sleeping or lying down, make sure that your head is elevated. Avoid laying your head flat, or it might trigger the extraction site, leading to more bleeding. Although with your head propped up, the bleeding will stop on its own.
Rinse Your Mouth with Saltwater
Saltwater is a great natural and organic antibacterial solution. Rinsing your mouth with it will not only stop the bleeding but it will also prevent the extraction site from getting infected in the future.
Maintain a Soft Food Diet
What you eat can significantly affect the recovery time and period. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew so that the tooth socket doesn’t get affected.
Make Sure to Get Plenty of Rest
One of the most important steps in stopping the bleeding is to stay away from physical activities. Anything that requires physical exertion should be avoided. Instead, rest a lot so that it can heal naturally in its own time.
You should also avoid smoking or vaping altogether, as the toxic fumes of nicotine can cause severe damage, disrupting the healing process. Similarly, skip out the straws when drinking liquids; use your mouth instead.
In A Nutshell
Bleeding is to be expected after wisdom tooth extraction, but it usually stops after 24 hours. If it continues after 48 hours have passed, contact your dentist and let them know immediately. For more information, reach out to Cypress Periodontics and Dental Implants at (281) 677-022. You can also visit us for an in-person evaluation at 27150 US-290 Ste 400, Cypress, TX 77433, United States.