Cause of blood in saliva

Blood in saliva can come from irritated gums, a mouth injury, a nosebleed, or the throat, but repeated or heavy bleeding needs prompt assessment.

Bleeding may arise from inflamed gingiva, a cut, a bitten cheek or tongue, a nosebleed draining backward, or irritation in the throat. Blood that seems to come from a tooth or gum should be examined in the mouth.

Rinse gently with water, use a clean gauze pad with steady pressure for a mouth wound, and avoid vigorous spitting or picking. Check whether brushing, flossing, trauma, or nasal bleeding preceded it.

Seek prompt dental or medical assessment when bleeding is recurrent, unexplained, heavy, or accompanied by swelling, fever, bruising, weakness, or breathing difficulty.

Ask where the blood appears to originate, whether the gums bleed on probing, and whether an examination of the teeth, nose, or throat is appropriate.