Mouth Bleeds
A mouth bleed is any bleeding in the mouth from the gums, tongue, loose teeth, lips or inner cheek. Bleeds are often caused by putting objects in the mouth, falling, accidentally biting inside the mouth area or dental work. Often it is difficult to keep a clot formed in the mouth area.
If you or your child has ever gotten a mouth bleed, you know how difficult it can be to stop the bleeding. Knowing what to do, or not do, is often the most troubling part of the process. The following tips are provided as a guide only. Always follow your physician’s specific instructions for treating your child’s mouth bleeds.
Treatment of Mouth Bleeds
- Identify the site of the bleed and apply cold to the area in the form of ice or a cold gauze pad for about 15-20 minutes. For children, popsicles (avoid red), ice cream or other cold treats may also help stop bleeding.
- Begin the use of Amicar® as prescribed by your physician. This comes in either a liquid or tablet form and will prevent the breakdown of a clot from saliva.
- Check with your physician to determine if factor replacement is necessary.
- Stay with soft foods for several days to protect a new clot. Avoid crunchy, chewy or sticky foods and snacks.
- If possible, keep straws and pacifiers away from a child until a clot has had time to form. If a straw is needed, tape two together to make sucking easier than with one straw.
- Watch for signs that may indicate more bleeding than is readily visible:
- Amount of blood on sheets or clothes
- Length of time between bleeds
- Paleness of skin, which may indicate anemia
- Tar-like stools from swallowing blood
- Nausea/vomiting due to swallowing of blood
Important: If there are any signs of bleeding in the throat or neck such as swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, call your physician and get to the emergency room immediately.
