Bleeding After Wisdom Teeth Removal: What’s Normal and When to See a Dentist

When patients notice bleeding after wisdom teeth removal, they start to wonder if it’s normal. Should my mouth really be bleeding? Should I see my emergency dentist Perth quickly, or shall I wait until tomorrow? These are all common questions that people may start asking after they notice some bleeding after they have had their wisdom teeth extracted. The truth is that a little bleeding after your wisdom tooth surgery is totally normal, but how much is too much? And when should you actually be concerned? We have created this blog post to help our patients understand what bleeding after wisdom teeth removal should look like, what may be a red flag, and what they should and shouldn’t do at home. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to relax and when it’s time to call your dentist.

How Long Is Bleeding Normal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You will probably notice some bleeding after wisdom tooth removal within the first 24 hours, and that’s completely normal. After your dentist removes your wisdom tooth, your body works hard to form a blood clot, protect the extraction site, and help with healing. That’s why a little bleeding at this stage is nothing to be concerned about.

You may notice light bleeding or saliva that seems to be mixed with blood (making it look pink), and this can continue for up to 48 hours, which is usually natural. However, if the bleeding is still heavy after the first day, especially if you need to change your gauze frequently or you see bright red blood or large clots, it may be a sign of a problem. In some cases, the blood clot may not be forming properly, or it may have become dislodged before it can do its job.

Find all the essential information in our comprehensive guide to wisdom teeth removal in Perth.

What Kind of Bleeding is Normal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Let us help you better understand what type of bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is normal and what type may be concerning:

This Is Normal

A small amount of blood that slowly oozes from the extraction site is normal. You may also see pink saliva when you spit or brush your teeth — that’s just your saliva mixed with a little blood. This can last up to 48 hours, and it’s usually nothing to worry about.

May Not Be Normal

If the bleeding is still heavy and looks bright red, if it continues for more than 48 hours, if the bleeding is so heavy that you have you change your gauze again and again, or if it suddenly starts again after it had stopped, it’s time to contact your dentist.

When Should You Be Concerned About Bleeding?

Please visit your dentist promptly if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with heavy and prolonged bleeding; they may be signs of an infection, dry socket, or other complications:

Severe or increasing pain, especially after the second day

Fever or chills, which may indicate an infection

Foul taste or bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing

Swelling that gets worse instead of better

Pus or yellow/white discharge from the extraction site

Bleeding that restarts suddenly after it had stopped

Dizziness or feeling faint, which may be because of blood loss

Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing

Steps to Stop or Reduce Bleeding at Home

Below, you can see some easy steps you can take to help you reduce bleeding after wisdom teeth removal:

Apply Firm Pressure with Gauze

You can take a clean, damp piece of gauze and fold it into a small square and put it directly on the wound. After you place the gauze on the extraction site, start biting down on it firmly for 30 to 60 minutes. Throughout this time, do not check or remove the gauze and let it stay there. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, use a new piece of gauze and do the same thing again.

Use a Damp Black Tea Bag

If the bleeding does not stop even after using a piece of gauze, you can try using a black tea bag. First, soak the tea bag in a little warm water to make it damp, and then place it over the area where the tooth was removed. Now, start biting down on the wound gently for 30 to 45 minutes. The tannins in black tea can help your blood clot and reduce bleeding.

Keep Your Head Elevated

On the first day after your surgery, try to sit up as much as you can, and if you need to lie down, you can use a few pillows to help keep your head elevated. If you lie flat, it can increase blood flow to your head and make the bleeding worse. Keeping your head up can help the bleeding slow down.

Apply a Cold Compress

Place an ice pack on your cheek near the wound to help reduce bleeding. Keep the ice pack on your cheek for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. It can also help reduce swelling.

Rest and Avoid Physical Activity

Try to rest as much as you can and limit your physical activities the first day after your wisdom tooth extraction. Doing things like heavy lifting, running, or other strenuous activities can increase your blood pressure and cause the blood clot to come loose, which may lead to more bleeding.

Actions to Avoid to Prevent Worsening Bleeding

Do Not Spit or Rinse Vigorously

Try to avoid spitting forcefully or rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after your procedure because it can dislodge the blood clot.

Avoid Using Straws

Avoid using a straw when you need to drink anything because the action of suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to more bleeding.

Refrain from Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

People who smoke experience delayed healing after wisdom tooth removal. Smoking can also increase the risk of other complications like dry socket, which is a painful condition.

Steer Clear of Hot Foods and Beverages

Stay away from anything too hot for the first 24 hours after your extraction procedure because it can increase the risk of dissolving the clot.

Do Not Consume Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol during your recovery because it can interfere with the healing process.

Avoid Touching the Extraction Site

Avoid touching the wound with your tongue or fingers. Doing that can loosen the blood clot and make it start bleeding again.

If bleeding continues even after you follow all the above steps, or if you experience other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to contact your dentist ASAP.

For personalised advice and care, feel free to reach out to us at Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic at (08) 9474 5083.

FAQs

How long should you bleed after wisdom teeth removal? 

Most people experience some bleeding for the first 24 hours. Bleeding will typically begin to reduce after that time, gradually. If you’re following your dentist’s advice but the bleeding hasn’t stopped yet, it’s best to contact your dentist.

Can I go to sleep if my tooth extraction is still bleeding? 

Yes, you can sleep even if there’s a little bleeding. Place a clean piece of gauze pad over the extraction site and gently bite down to help reduce the bleeding. Also, keep your head elevated with extra pillows.

What should I avoid to prevent bleeding after wisdom tooth removal? 

Try to rest and avoid strenuous physical activities for the first 24 hours following your procedure. Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and using straws for drinking your beverages. Try to eat softer foods and avoid any hard or crunchy foods for the first few days to prevent dislodging the blood clot.

Is it normal for the extraction site to bleed a little if I brush my teeth or eat? 

Yes, it’s normal for the extraction site to bleed slightly during the first few days after your wisdom tooth removal when you brush your teeth or eat. Just try to be gentle around the wound, and try to avoid direct contact with it while brushing or eating.

When should I be concerned about bleeding and call the dentist? 

If heavy bleeding after wisdom teeth removal continues for more than 24 hours, it’s time to call your dentist. Also, if you’re experiencing uncontrollable bleeding or have other symptoms like severe pain or fever, don’t hesitate to seek help from an expert.

Can I eat normal food right after my wisdom teeth are removed? 

It’s better to wait until the numbness goes away before you eat. If you start eating something before the effects of local anaesthesia have worn away, you may accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Start with soft foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies that are easy to eat. As you start to feel better, you can slowly return to eating your normal food.

Need More Guidance? Let Acts Dental Care for Your Smile

Bleeding after wisdom teeth removal can feel a bit unsettling, but with the right care, healing is usually simple. If you’re not sure what’s normal or when to get help, our friendly team is here to guide you with expert advice and support. Give us a call at (08) 9474 5083.