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Bleeding gums: a calm action plan

Bleeding gums are often one of the first signs that platelets are low. Simple steps usually stop it, but your team should be told either way.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Ice cubes splashing into a glass of cold water
Figure 1.Cold water can ease bleeding gums

01Short answer

Rinse gently with cool water (do not swish hard or spit forcefully). Place a damp clean gauze square on the bleeding spot and press gently. A cold drink, or ice wrapped in cloth held on the cheek, can help. Meanwhile avoid hot, rough or spicy food and alcohol. If bleeding does not stop within 10 to 15 minutes, keeps coming back, or you see blood blisters in your mouth or new bruises on your body, call your team. Note when it started and how long it lasted.

02Simple explanation

Cool water.

Press with gauze.

Rough food: no.

Either way: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: bleeding gums can be a sign of thrombocytopenia; long or repeated bleeding should be reported to your team.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

An early signal

Bleeding from the gums and nose can show platelets are low.

Blood blisters

Blood-filled blisters in the mouth: tell your team at once.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
An early signalBleeding from the gums and nose can show platelets are low.
Blood blistersBlood-filled blisters in the mouth: tell your team at once.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.
Gauze
Sterile fabric.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Rinse.
  • Press.
  • Note it.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I stop brushing?

No; make the method gentler with your team (“Teeth with a bleeding risk: gentle and careful”).

I taste blood.

Tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I stop brushing?

  2. I taste blood.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. American Cancer Society. How to Keep Your Home Clean When Living With Cancer
  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
  8. NHS. Shortness of breath
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Breathlessness
  10. Cancer Research UK. Breathing problems with cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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