How to Stop Bleeding After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Home Remedies, Expert Tips, and More

Looking for effective ways to prevent bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction? Our article lists down step-by-step instructions, top home remedies, expert tips, and natural remedies that can provide relief and help promote healing to make your recovery smoother.

Introduction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing one or more of the third molars at the back of the mouth. While the surgery itself is usually quick and simple, the recovery process can be uncomfortable and often involves some bleeding. Bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction is normal, but excessive bleeding can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention. In this article, we’ll explore various home remedies, expert tips, and other preventative measures to help stop bleeding and promote healing after wisdom tooth extraction.

10 Home Remedies to Stop Bleeding After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to alleviate bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction is to use home remedies. Here are ten, natural home remedies that can help you stop bleeding:

Bite Down on Gauze: After the surgery, your dentist will place a gauze pad on the extraction site and ask you to bite down on it. You can also use clean gauze pads to apply pressure on the area to stop bleeding. Changing the gauze every hour, or as needed, is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding.
Apply Ice: Another effective remedy to reduce inflammation and bleeding is to apply ice on your cheeks. Wrap a frozen pack in a towel or cloth and place it gently on the outside of your mouth for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Drink Cold Water: Sipping cold water can constrict the blood vessels inside your mouth, helping to reduce bleeding and swelling. Avoid drinking with a straw or drinking hot liquids, as this could cause more bleeding or dislodge the blood clot.
Use Black Tea Bags: Black tea contains tannins, which can help control bleeding. Soak a tea bag in warm water and squeeze it to remove excess water. Then, place it on the extraction site and hold it in place for 30–45 minutes.
Rinse with Saltwater: Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This can help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing.
Chew on Cloves: Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Place a few cloves in your mouth and chew them gently to release their oils.
Apply Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up the healing process of your mouth. Swab a small amount of honey around the extraction site to promote healing and alleviate pain.
Use Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help control bleeding. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and place it on the extraction site for 15–20 minutes to help stop bleeding.
Take Supplements: Some supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, and bromelain, are known for their anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. A balanced diet and supplements can help the body heal faster.
Avoid Certain Foods: After the surgery, it’s crucial to avoid certain types of food that can cause bleeding or dislodge the blood clot, such as nuts, chips or spicy foods. Stick to soft foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Step-by-Step: How to Manage Bleeding After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While home remedies can help reduce bleeding and promote healing, it’s important to know how to handle bleeding properly to prevent potential complications. Here are some step-by-step instructions:

Use gauze pads: Bite down on a fresh gauze pad to apply pressure to the extraction site and stem the bleeding. Keep biting down for at least 30 minutes, and then replace the gauze pad as necessary.
Rinse your mouth: 24 hours after the extraction, rinse your mouth every 2–3 hours with saltwater. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.
Avoid Using Straws or Smoking: Using straws or smoking can create suction that can dislodge the blood clot, displace the protective blood clot over the extraction site.
Avoid Spitting: Do not spit forcefully as it can disturb the blood clot and cause bleeding. Let the saliva dribble out of your mouth.
Avoid Certain Medications: Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for the first 7 days after surgery. Consult your dentist before stopping any medication.
Be Gentle with the Extraction Site: Don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue, fingers, or any object that may irritate it, use your tongue to dislodge the blood clot or cause bleeding.

Expert Tips to Quickly Stop Bleeding After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Aside from home remedies and basic care, there are some expert tips you should keep in mind to help you stop bleeding and promote healing:

Stay Upright: Keep your head elevated while lying down or sleeping to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Apply Pressure: Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the outside of your cheeks, close to the extraction site, to help reduce bleeding.
Gargle with Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help prevent infection and promote healing. Add a few drops of this oil to warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out gently.
Talk to Your Dentist: If you experience severe bleeding and discomfort or swelling after the first day or two, contact your dentist immediately.
Avoid Exercise: Avoid exercise or any other physical activity that may raise your blood pressure for the first few days.
Use a Humidifier: Dry mouth can cause discomfort and delay healing. Use a humidifier to keep the air around you moist to help speed up the healing process.

What to Do (and Not Do) When Bleeding Occurs After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Aside from home remedies and expert tips, there are also some things you should (and shouldn’t) do after wisdom tooth extraction:

Do NOT Aggravate the Extraction Site: Avoid touching the extraction site, poking with your tongue, or using objects to manipulate it.
Do NOT Smoke: Smoking can delay the healing process and cause infection at the extraction site. Refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours following the surgery.
Do NOT Use a Straw: Using a straw can disrupt the blood clot and extend bleeding. Rather take small sips of water directly from a cup.
Do NOT Consume Hot Liquids: Hot drinks can dissolve blood clots. Use cold or lukewarm water to rinse your mouth.
Do Consume Cold Foods and Drinks: Cold foods and drinks can help reduce swelling and bleeding. Try some ice cream or a cold smoothie.
Do Keep the Extraction Site Clean: Use a saltwater rinse to clean your mouth and keep bacteria at bay.
Do Take Medications as Prescribed: Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully when it comes to painkillers and antibiotics.
Do Sleep with Extra Pillows: Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause bleeding. Prop your head up with extra pillows to reduce swelling and bleeding while sleeping.

Natural Remedies to Stop Bleeding and Promote Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Aside from mainstream options, some natural remedies can provide additional support in helping to promote healing and alleviate bleeding. Here are some popular natural remedies:

Chamomile Tea Bags: Chamomile has natural antiseptic properties that can help reduce bleeding. Brew tea bags in hot water, cool them in the refrigerator, and place them on the extraction site for a few minutes.
Clove Oil: Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help numb the area to alleviate pain. Mix a few drops of clove oil with olive oil and apply it around the extraction site with a cotton ball.
Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil can help numb the pain, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. Add a few drops into a cup of warm water. Swish and rinse for 30 seconds.
Yogurt: Yogurt is probiotic, which can promote oral health and aid in healing while reducing bleeding.
Baking Soda: Baking soda has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help keep the extraction site clean and free of infections by using it as a paste or mixed with warm water.

Conclusion

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction can be uncomfortable, but following home remedies, expert tips, and avoiding habits like smoking or using straws can make the process smoother. Remember to take gentle care of your mouth and contact your dentist if anything feels out of the ordinary. By following the above guidelines, you can more effectively prevent bleeding and promote healing after your wisdom teeth removal.