4 Causes of saliva bleeding from sores in the mouth to smoking

Various causes of bloody saliva

There is no need to panic when your saliva bleeds. However, don't be underestimated either. Here are various common causes of bloody saliva, such as:

1. Mouth sores

Mouth sores are the most common cause. This condition can attack the lips and inner mouth area. Usually this condition is triggered by various things such as:

Minor injury, such as accidentally biting the cheek.
Brushing your teeth too hard.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains lauryl sulfate.
Lack of vitamin C (scurvy), vitamin B3 (pellagra), B12, folic acid, iron deficiency anemia, and zinc.
Have inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
Have celiac disease.
Having problems with the immune system.

If your saliva is bleeding because of a sore in your mouth, you usually don't need to bother looking for ways to solve it. The reason is, this wound will generally go away on its own.

Unless after more than a month the wound persists and even gets worse, you can consult a doctor. Usually your doctor will recommend you a mouthwash containing dexamethasone or lidocaine.

In addition, over-the-counter drugs such as hydrogen peroxide, benzocaine (Anbesol, Orabase), and fluocinonide (Vanos, Lidex) are also quite helpful in relieving mouth sores. It's not enough, you should also eat a variety of foods that contain folate, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6.

2. Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums or gingivitis is a disease of the mouth that causes the gums to become irritated, reddish, and swollen. Usually this condition attacks the gums around the base of your teeth. Inflamed gums usually bleed easily, especially when exposed to hard objects such as a toothbrush. Well, this blood will be seen in your saliva.

Gingivitis occurs when the mouth is not kept clean. Therefore, the solution that can be done to prevent it is to keep your teeth and mouth clean. Brushing your teeth twice a day, doing flossing every day, and having regular dental checkups can help prevent and restore the condition of the gums to their normal condition.

3. Cancer

Source: MayoClinic

Another cause of bloody saliva that needs to be watched out for is cancer. The reason is, several types of cancer can cause blood in the saliva, such as:

Oral cancer, usually occurs on the inside of the mouth on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Throat cancer, usually characterized by tumors that develop in the throat, larynx (voice box), or tonsils.
Leukemia, cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow.

Treatment for cancer is usually adjusted according to its stage, location, type, current health condition, and various other important factors. There are various treatments that are usually done to help cure cancer, namely surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.

4. Smoking

Smokers often experience bloody saliva. According to Pramod Kerkar, MD, FFARCSI., A doctor who graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States, smokers usually find blood in their saliva in the morning when they wake up.

The reason is, smoking can irritate the gums and increase the risk of respiratory problems including cancer and possible bleeding in other respiratory organs. This condition ultimately causes blood to be present in saliva.

So, when do I need to go to the doctor?

When you find it difficult to judge when to go to the doctor when you find blood in saliva, then take a look at the other accompanying symptoms. Usually a health condition that indicates a serious problem does not only cause one symptom but there must be other signs that accompany it. Various other symptoms that need to be watched out for and need to see a doctor immediately, such as:

Sprue that keeps recurring.
Gums that always bleed every time you brush your teeth or do it flossing.
The gums are red, swollen, and painful to the touch.
Gums that stick out above the teeth.
Sensitivity to hot or cold.
Has difficulty swallowing.

Besides you need to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms above, you also need to pay attention to the color, blood viscosity and the amount of blood released through your saliva. The reason is this can also help doctors to identify the cause of your saliva bleeding.