Treatment Options Hemophilia and Mouth Bleeds1
If you have hemophilia or are caring for someone with hemophilia, you understand that accidents involving the mouth can happen, no matter how hard you try to prevent them. When bumps, falls, and collisions occur, here's what you may want to consider doing:
Hemophilia Care: Losing A Tooth
If you lose a permanent tooth in an accident, pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the roots. Rinse the tooth off in clean cold water and place it in milk, if possible. Hurry to a dentist or emergency room; it may be possible to reinsert the tooth. On the way to the dentist, apply firm pressure to the bleeding site with a piece of clean gauze.
Head Directly to the Emergency Room if:
- the bleeding on your tongue, cheek, or floor of the mouth doesn't stop;
- your tongue, throat, or neck is swollen or bruised; or
- you are having trouble breathing or swallowing.
Hemophilia Care: After the Bleeding has Stopped
Once the bleeding has stopped, follow your dentist's recommendation on wound care. Should bleeding reoccur, notify your dentist or Hemophilia Treatment Center. It may help to eat soft, cold foods. And remember, no straws – the sucking can restart bleeding.
Tip for preventing mouth bleeds: People with hemophilia should always wear mouth guards when they play sports. More tips can be found on Canadian Hemophilia Society website, in “All About Hemophilia” guide, chapter 10. Available at http://www.hemophilia.ca. Accessed June 8, 2011.
Note: ThereForYou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
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References
- Oral care for people with hemophilia or a hereditary bleeding tendency: Treatment of Hemophilia monograph № 27. World Federation of Hemophilia website. http://www.wfh.org/2/docs/Publications/Dental_Care/TOH-27_Oral-Care-Revised2008.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.
