Blood Clot Formation – The Key to Healing
After a tooth is extracted, it’s important to form a blood clot. This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath and aids in healing. If the bleeding won’t stop, it could be because the blood clot has become dislodged. To help encourage clotting:
- Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the extraction. The pressure will help stop the bleeding by promoting clotting.
- Apply direct pressure to the site with a clean cloth if gauze isn’t available.
- Sit upright or recline in an upright position. This helps reduce bleeding and prevents dislodging of the blood clot.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking from a straw, smoking, or exercising for at least 24 hours after the extraction. These activities can all dislodge the blood clot and slow down healing.
- Use an ice pack on your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
If the bleeding hasn’t stopped within 8-12 hours after these measures, contact your dentist. They may need to prescribe medication or otherwise intervene. Some residual bleeding can continue for up to 24 hours after the extraction, but it should be minimal. Below, we’ll cover how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction using home remedies.
How to Stop Bleeding After Tooth Extraction If It’s Normal?
If you’re sure the amount of bleeding you’re experiencing is normal and the blood clot is in place, there are a few things you can do to help the blood stop flowing. First of all, you can simply wait it out. In most cases, the bleeding will stop on its own as the blood clot continues to form. But if you want to eat or drink and the blood is making it difficult, you can try the following methods.
Keep the Head Elevated – Day and Night
As we mentioned, it’s important to keep your head elevated after an extraction. This will help slow the bleeding by gravity alone. During the day, you can do this by sitting upright in a chair or reclining back in an upright position. At night, sleep with multiple pillows propped up under your head.
Bite on a Black Tea Bag Instead of Wet Gauze
If gauze isn’t helping, try a black tea bag instead. Tea contains tannic acid, which can help promote clotting. How to stop bleeding after tooth extraction using black tea? Simply wet the tea bag and place it on the extraction site for 30 minutes. Bite on it as you would gauze to apply pressure and encourage clotting.
Take Care When Eating and Drinking, and Avoid Strenuous Exercise
As we mentioned, it’s important to take care when eating and drinking after an extraction. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids but avoid using a straw, which can dislodge the blood clot. Eat soft foods and avoid anything crunchy or chewy for a few days. Also, avoid strenuous exercise, which can increase blood pressure and cause more bleeding.
When to See a Dentist or Doctor
In most cases, the bleeding will stop on its own with at-home care. But if it continues for more than 12 hours or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or chills, it’s time to see a dentist or doctor. If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call your dentist or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Know the Symptoms of a Dry Socket
Complications from an extraction, like a dry socket, are rare but can occur. A dry socket is when the blood clot that forms in the hole left by the tooth doesn’t develop properly or is dislodged. This can lead to pain, infection, and delayed healing.
Signs of a dry socket include severe pain that begins a few days after the extraction, a throbbing sensation that gets worse with time, and bad breath. If you think you have a dry socket, call your dentist right away. They can prescribe medication to help with the pain and promote healing.
Now you know how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if the amount of bleeding you’re experiencing is normal and offer additional tips.
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