Mouth Bleeds
Mouth bleeds normally occur in the gums around your teeth or by accidentally biting your tongue, lip, or inside of your cheek. Generally, mouth bleeds appear more serious than they really are and factor is not typically required. However, prolonged bleeding can cause blood and loose clots to build up in the throat making it difficult to breathe. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that helps keep the enzymes in your mouth from breaking down new clots.
Things to remember
- Trauma to the tongue that causes bleeding needs to be treated as a serious injury. The tongue can swell and impede breathing. Apply pressure and ice and call your treatment center.
- Mouth bleeds that last for several days can cause low blood counts (anemia). Make sure your physician or treatment center is aware so that blood levels can be monitored when appropriate.
- The sharp edges of loose teeth, or new teeth coming is often the cause of mouth bleeds. Remove bloody saliva with a clean washcloth or gauze to locate the site of the bleed. Contact your HCT for guidance.
- Certain foods contain enzymes that break clots down. Avoid papaya and fresh pineapple after having a mouth bleed.
- It is not unusual to feel sick to your stomach after a mouth bleed. This is caused from swallowing blood, and it is possible you may vomit. The digested blood after a mouth bleed can cause your bowel movement to appear black.
- Always make sure your Dentist and Hematologist are consulting one another. Dental work may require additional factor prior to the procedure.
- A diet of cool, soft foods is best for a period of time while your mouth heals.
- Drinking from a straw can cause more suction on the bleed area which can dislodge a forming clot. If you must use a straw, tape two straws side by side to decrease the suction.
- Dental care is just as important after a mouth bleed. Toothbrushes, no matter how soft, can tear the new clot. Use a cotton swab to clean the teeth near the clot until the area is healed.
Treating a mouth bleed
- If bleeding is severe, apply steady pressure using gauze for 15 minutes. If blood soaks through, apply a second gauze without lifting the first.
- Ice packs (externally) or frozen icy treats can help reduce blood flow
- Your treatment center will help you decide when to take factor or use Amicar.
Ways to prevent mouth bleeds
- Keep objects out of your mouth
- Blush and floss as instructed every day
- Supervise young children learning to use utensils
- Follow up with your dentist every 6 months
- Chew slowly to avoid biting your cheek or lips
- Gum chewing should be avoided
- If your mouth bleeds often, consult your hematologist or treatment center for additional tips
Contact your physician or treatment center if
- You have a bleed that lasts more than a day
- You have symptoms of a bleed in your throat or neck (swelling, choking, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or darkening/bruising of the neck or throat)
- You have problems with your teeth that require attention