There are number of potential reasons for bleeding from the mouth. If bleeding is a result of direct impact to the face, there are likely to be injuries to the jaw and possibly the cheekbone, as well as to the gums and teeth. It may also be that bleeding follows dental treatment. In the case of nosebleeds, find out what caused the nosebleed so you can establish whether the nose or cheekbone has been damaged. Many nosebleeds start spontaneously and the cause is never known. The priority with any mouth or nosebleed is to protect the victim’s airway and try to prevent blood being swallowed because this may cause vomiting.
HOW TO TREAT BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH
- Lean the victim forward and encourage her to spit out any blood and/or broken teeth into receptacle.
- If the bleed is easy to reach, controlling it may helped by placing a small dressing over the wound and encouraging the victim to apply pressure for 10 minutes.
- If there is severe bleeding from a tooth socket, place a rolled –up dressing, large enough to stop the teeth from meeting, into the mouth and ask the person to bite on it. If this does not control the bleeding after 10 minutes, reapply a clean pad.
If the bleeding has not been stopped after 30 minutes, or is particularly severe, either take or send the victim to hospital. There may be damage to the jaw or cheekbone. Cold compresses may relieve this pain and reduce swelling and you may need to support broken bones with pads or your hands.
IF THE NOSE OR CHEEK APPEARS TO BE BROKEN
Lean the victim forward and encourage him to spit out blood. Do not pinch the nose. Cold compresses either side of the injury may provide some relief and help to reduce the bleeding.
IF A TOOTH HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT
 Adult teeth can sometimes be replanted in the mouth, so it with storing the tooth carefully. Do not wash the tooth; instead, place it in a labeled plastic bag with some milk or water to keep moist, and send with the person to the emergency dentist or hospital. Teeth need to be replanted quickly—go to dentist or hospital emergency room.
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A molar that has been knocked out of its socket is a problem if it is an adult tooth. The front teeth are the ones most commonly knocked out, often during contact sports. |
