Lip won t stop bleeding

Persistent lip bleeding needs firm pressure and an urgent assessment when it does not stop or follows a significant injury.

Bleeding may come from a bite, fall, sharp tooth, ulcer, dental procedure, or a wound that has reopened. The lips contain many small blood vessels, so a modest cut can appear to bleed heavily.

Sit upright, place clean gauze or cloth directly over the wound, and hold firm continuous pressure without lifting it to check repeatedly. Apply a wrapped cold pack outside the lip; do not scrub the wound or place aspirin on it.

Seek urgent medical or dental care if bleeding continues despite sustained pressure, the cut crosses the lip border, the wound is deep or contaminated, or a tooth is loose or displaced. Emergency help is needed for breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly increasing swelling.

Ask whether the wound needs cleaning, suturing, or repair of the lip margin, and whether an injured tooth or sharp restoration caused it. Tell the clinician when the injury happened and whether your tetanus status is current.