How to Stop Bleeding Gums While on Blood Thinners? Thats a mind boggling question for many patients who are already on blood thinner. Bleeding gums are a common problem for many people, especially those who take blood thinners. Blood thinners are medications that prevent blood clots from forming or growing, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. However, blood thinners can also make your blood less able to clot when you have a wound or injury, such as a cut in your mouth or gum inflammation. This can lead to excessive or prolonged bleeding from your gums, which can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and potentially dangerous.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to stop bleeding gums while on blood thinners. In this blog post, we will cover the following topics:
Table of Contents
What causes bleeding gums while on blood thinners?
Two primary categories of blood thinners exist: Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets.
Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, heparin, or newer drugs like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban, work by interfering with the clotting factors in your blood. Antiplatelets, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor, work by preventing your platelets (the cells that stick together to form clots) from clumping together.
Both types of blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding from your gums if you have any of the following conditions:
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): This is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. It can cause your gums to become red, swollen, tender, and bleed easily. Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
- Dental plaque and tartar: This is a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that accumulates on your teeth and gum line. If not removed by brushing and flossing regularly, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Plaque and tartar can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dental procedures: Some dental procedures, such as tooth extraction, scaling and root planning, implant placement, or crown fitting, can cause trauma to your gums and make them bleed. Your dentist may advise you to stop taking your blood thinner before or after the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding complications.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Lack of vitamin C or vitamin K can affect your gum health and your blood clotting ability. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing. Vitamin K is involved in the production of clotting factors in your liver. If you are deficient in either of these vitamins, you may experience bleeding gums as well as other symptoms such as bruising, fatigue, anaemia, or poor wound healing.
- Other medical conditions: Some medical conditions that affect your blood cells or clotting system can also cause bleeding gums while on blood thinners. These include leukaemia (a type of blood cancer), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), haemophilia (a bleeding disorder), von Willebrand disease (another bleeding disorder), or liver disease.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums While on Blood Thinners – Prevention :
The best way to prevent bleeding gums while on blood thinners is to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid anything that can irritate or injure your gums. Here are some tips to follow:
- Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle circular motions and avoid scrubbing too hard or using a back-and-forth motion.
- Floss your teeth once a day with waxed floss or a water flosser. Slide the floss gently between your teeth and along your gum line. Do not snap the floss into your gums or use too much force.
- Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once a day or as directed by your dentist. This can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your mouth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line and treat any signs of gum disease. Your dentist can also monitor your oral health and adjust your dental care plan according to your blood thinner medication.
- Tell your dentist about your medical history and the type and dose of blood thinner you are taking. Your dentist may need to consult with your doctor before performing any dental procedures that may cause bleeding. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics before or after the procedure to prevent infection.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Vitamin K can be found in leafy greens, cabbage, cauliflower, soybeans, canola oil, and olive oil.
- Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or engaging in the use of recreational drugs. These substances can damage your gums and interfere with your blood clotting and healing processes.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth or irritate your gums. These include coffee, tea, red wine, soda, candy, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and hard or crunchy foods.
- Use a humidifier or a nasal spray to keep your mouth and nose moist. Dryness can cause your gums to crack and bleed.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums While on Blood Thinners – Treatment :
If you notice bleeding from your gums while on blood thinners, do not panic. Most cases of bleeding gums are mild and can be stopped with simple home remedies. Here are some steps you can take to treat bleeding gums while on blood thinners:
- Apply pressure to the bleeding area with a clean gauze pad or a damp tea bag for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not rinse your mouth or spit out the blood as this can dislodge the clot and cause more bleeding.
- Rinse your mouth with cold water or a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water). This can help clean the wound and reduce swelling and pain.
- Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to your cheek or jaw for 10 minutes at a time. This can help constrict the blood vessels and slow down the bleeding.
- Elevate your head when lying down or sleeping. This can help prevent blood from pooling in your mouth and throat.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything hot, cold, acidic, or spicy until the bleeding stops. These can irritate your gums and cause more bleeding.
- Avoid using brush or floss on the affected area until the bleeding stops. You can resume your normal oral hygiene routine once the bleeding has stopped for at least 24 hours.
- Take over-the-counter pain killers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) as required. Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding.
When to see a doctor to Stop Bleeding Gums While on Blood Thinners?
While most cases of bleeding gums while on blood thinners are minor and can be managed at home, some cases may require medical attention. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following signs of serious bleeding:
- Continuous bleeding even after applying pressure for 15 minutes.
- Bleeding that is heavy or frequent enough to soak through your gauze pad or tea bag.
- Bleeding that is accompanied by signs of infection such as fever, pus, swelling, redness, or foul smell.
- Bleeding that is accompanied by signs of anemia such as weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, or chest pain.
- Bleeding that occurs after a head injury or trauma to your face or mouth.
- Bleeding that occurs along with other symptoms such as nosebleeds, blood in your urine or stool, bruising easily, joint pain, or vision problems.
Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of blood thinner or switch you to a different medication. Your doctor may also order some tests to check your blood count, clotting time, and vitamin levels. In some cases, you may need a transfusion of blood products or clotting factors to stop the bleeding.
Also Read Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease : Types, Stages, and Treatment Options
Conclusion
Bleeding gums while on blood thinners are a common but manageable problem. By following good oral hygiene practices, avoiding gum irritants and injuries, eating a healthy diet, and seeking medical help when needed, you can prevent and treat bleeding gums while on blood thinners and enjoy a healthy smile.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about Bleeding Guns, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you! 😊
