Minor oral injuries can bleed noticeably, but bleeding that is heavy, does not stop, or is associated with major facial trauma needs urgent assessment.
What to pay attention to
- Use gentle pressure — A clean gauze pad may help with minor bleeding.
- Escalate uncontrolled bleeding — Persistent or heavy bleeding may require emergency medical care.
- Look beyond the soft tissue — A tooth may also be cracked, loose or displaced after trauma.
Read the related emergency service page →
General emergency guidance on this site is informed by patient education from the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy program and the American Association of Endodontists. It is educational and does not replace an examination by a dentist.