Advice on managing post-extraction bleeding

If you have had a tooth taken out during the past week and still have bleeding from the extraction area:

• Seeing some blood in your saliva after a dental extraction is normal. You only need take further action if the extraction area is still noticeably bleeding.
• Make a small pad with a clean cotton handkerchief or piece of kitchen towel, and dampen it slightly with water.
• Rinse the mouth once only with warm (not hot) water to get rid of the blood. Place the damp pad over the socket area and bite firmly.
• If there are no opposing teeth, hold the pad firmly on the socket using clean fingers. Maintain this while sitting upright for 20 minutes and then check. LEAVE FIRM PRESSURE ON THE SOCKET IN THIS TIME – DO NOT KEEP CHECKING IT.
• Sit quietly and relax do not engage in conversation whilst putting pressure on the socket.
• Do not disturb the blood clot in the socket.
• If these measures prove inadequate, seek dental advice via the Dental Helpline.
• If you are taking anticoagulant medication, do not stop your medication without medical advice.