Bleeding after a dental injury can be alarming. If you get hurt in a fall, sports mishap, or sudden collision, you need to act immediately and calmly. Persistent or heavy bleeding in the mouth may indicate a dental emergency and should be evaluated promptly
Knowing when bleeding is bad and what to do about it will help keep your teeth and gums safe.
What Makes You Bleed After a Dental Injury?
Injuries to the mouth can hurt teeth and soft tissues. There are blood vessels in the mouth, so even minor cuts can cause bleeding that is easy to see.
Some common causes are:
- Accidents on the playground or falls
- Injuries from sports
- Accidents with cars
- Biting things that are hard
- Injuries to the face
The lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, or teeth may be hurt. The depth and location of the wound often affect how severe the bleeding is.
When Is Bleeding a Dental Emergency?
Not every case of bleeding needs to be treated right away. But the following problems do need to be dealt with promptly:
1. Bleeding That Won’t Stop
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes of applying firm pressure with clean gauze, you need to see a dentist or doctor right away. Bleeding that doesn’t stop may mean that deeper tissues have been injured.
2. Tooth That Fell Out and Bled
A knocked-out permanent tooth nearly always makes you bleed. This is a real dental emergency. The American Dental Association recommends placing the tooth back in its socket if possible, or keep it in milk and see a dentist right away.
3. Excessive Bleeding After Facial Trauma
If your face or jaw starts to bleed after a hard hit, go to the emergency department or a dentist nearby. Severe trauma might include broken bones or damage inside the body.
4. Symptoms of Infection
If you have bleeding along with swelling, pus, fever, or extreme discomfort, you may have an infection or an abscess. These conditions need to be checked out right away to avoid further problems.
Minor Bleeding vs. Major Injury
Some mouth injuries cause little bleeding that resolves rapidly with basic first aid. For instance:
- Little incisions on the face or lip
- Slight inflammation of the gums
- A little blood after biting your tongue
You can keep an eye on the injury at home if the bleeding stops within 10 minutes and the pain stays under control. But if you’re not sure, you should always call your dentist.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that parents should take their kids to the dentist as soon as they hurt their mouths, even if the damage doesn’t look serious. Injuries to baby teeth might hurt the
permanent teeth that are still growing underneath.
How to Prevent Dental Injuries
Even if accidents happen, you can lower your risk by:
- Using a mouthguard when playing sports
- Correctly using seat belts
- Watching young kids while they play
- Not chewing on hard things
Preventive steps keep both kids and adults from getting traumatic oral injuries.
Get Immediate Help When Needed
Bleeding after a dental accident might be anything from a small problem to a life-threatening one. If you are bleeding and it doesn’t stop in 10 to 15 minutes, you have a knocked-out tooth, or you have had a significant injury, regard it as a dental emergency and get help right away.
You can safeguard your oral health and limit damage by putting pressure on the area, using cold compresses, and calling your dentist right away. If you need dental care right away, call Divine Dental Studio’s emergency dentistry professionals. Please call us at (209) 207-7777 to find out more.