Bleeding through mouth

Bleeding from the mouth can come from gums, a tooth socket, a bitten cheek, the tongue or another oral tissue, so the source must be located.

Gum inflammation, trauma, extraction sites and dental infection are common dental causes, but heavy or unexplained bleeding needs urgent assessment.

Apply steady pressure with clean gauze to a visible bleeding point, stay upright and avoid repeatedly disturbing a clot.

A clinician examines the mouth, reviews medicines and recent procedures, and may clean the area, close a wound or treat the dental cause.

Seek emergency help for bleeding that is heavy or does not settle, breathing or swallowing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness or significant injury.