Bleeding is a normal part of the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction, but excessive or prolonged bleeding can be concerning. If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed, you might be wondering: How do I stop the bleeding and ensure a smooth recovery? In this guide, we’ll cover the best methods to control post-surgery bleeding and when to seek professional help.

1. Apply Firm Pressure with Gauze

After your surgery, your dentist will place a sterile gauze pad over the extraction site. To help stop the bleeding:

• Bite down firmly on the gauze for at least 30–45 minutes without constant checking or replacing.
• If bleeding persists, replace the gauze with a fresh, folded piece and continue applying pressure.
• Avoid talking or excessive movement of the mouth while applying pressure, as this can dislodge the clot.

Tip: If you run out of gauze, a clean tea bag (moistened with water) can be used as an alternative, as tea contains natural tannins that aid in clotting.

2. Keep Your Head Elevated

Lying flat can increase blood flow to the extraction site, causing prolonged bleeding. Instead:

• Sleep with your head elevated using extra pillows for the first 24–48 hours.
• Avoid bending over or strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and trigger more bleeding.

3. Avoid Spitting, Rinsing, or Using a Straw

One of the biggest causes of persistent bleeding is dislodging the blood clot before it has fully formed. To prevent this:

• Do NOT spit forcefully for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid using a straw for at least a week—the suction can disturb the healing process and lead to dry socket.
• Hold off on rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. After that, use a gentle saltwater rinse (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) without vigorous swishing.

4. Use a Tea Bag to Promote Clotting

If bleeding continues beyond a few hours, a moist black tea bag can be placed over the extraction site.

• Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps constrict blood vessels and promote clotting.
• Bite down gently on the tea bag for 30 minutes.

5. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Hot Liquids

Certain activities can delay healing and prolong bleeding:

• Smoking restricts blood flow and increases the risk of dry socket—avoid for at least 72 hours.
• Alcohol can interfere with clot formation and should be avoided for at least 24–48 hours.
• Hot liquids (tea, coffee, soup) can dissolve the clot prematurely, so stick to cool or lukewarm beverages for the first few days.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Soft Foods

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but sip gently.
• Stick to a soft food diet (yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce) for the first 24–48 hours to avoid irritating the extraction site.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods that could reopen the wound.

7. When to Contact Your Dentist

While some bleeding is normal, you should seek professional help if:

• Bleeding continues heavily after 24 hours despite using gauze and pressure.
• You experience large blood clots or bright red, excessive bleeding.
• Your pain worsens instead of improving.
• You have signs of infection, such as fever, excessive swelling, or pus discharge.

Final Thoughts

Stopping wisdom tooth bleeding is usually straightforward with proper aftercare. Applying pressure, avoiding irritation, and allowing the blood clot to stabilize are key to a smooth recovery. If you’re unsure whether your bleeding is normal, don’t hesitate to call your dentist for guidance.

References

1. American Dental Association (ADA). “Post-Operative Care After Wisdom Tooth Extraction.” www.ada.org
2. Mayo Clinic. “Wisdom Teeth Removal and Recovery Tips.” www.mayoclinic.org
3. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). “Managing Bleeding After Oral Surgery.” www.aaoms.org
4. Cleveland Clinic. “Healing After Tooth Extraction: What to Expect.” www.clevelandclinic.org