How to stop bleeding in your mouth

To control mouth bleeding, sit upright, place clean folded gauze directly over the site, and apply firm uninterrupted pressure while seeking dental advice.

Blood may come from gingiva, a socket, a cut lip or tongue, a loose tooth, or an injured vessel; after extraction, protect the clot.

Spit gently rather than rinsing repeatedly, avoid smoking and vigorous rinsing, and follow the treating dentist’s instructions.

Seek urgent care if bleeding persists despite pressure, fills the mouth, follows trauma, or comes with dizziness, swelling, severe pain, or breathing trouble.

Ask where the blood originates, what caused it, whether medicines affect clotting, and what follow-up is needed.