Blood in spit: This has been happening... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Blood in spit

justconcerned profile image
11 Replies

This has been happening for about 3 months now.

It started with me noticing that my gums were bleeding whenever I brushed them. I noticed this because my toothpaste that I spat out after each brush was tinted with blood. But as I started gathering my spit from the back of my throat as well, I noticed that there was blood in it. The blood became more and more evident as I gathered more and more spit, it's literally like bright red.

I've visited the doctors, did an ECG, and also extracted blood from my arm, and the tests came back that I was fine. Even did an X-Ray on my chest region to say that it's okay.

So.. I kind of don't know what's going on. It'd be nice to have a peace of mind if someone could explain to me what's going on. Because I'm still undiagnosed as of now.

The only explanation I can think of is that, I might be gritting my teeth while I sleep, and the blood from my gums usually accumulates at the back of my throat, so after each sleep, when I clear the back of my throat, that's where all the blood gathers.

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justconcerned
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11 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Bright red coloured blood usually indicates that it's new not old blood (brown). I would recommend that you go and talk to your dentist. We unwittingly swallow some blood when a tooth bleeds and of course can then spit it up. I had a similar problem and my dentist found something under my gum that was aggravating it. He cleared it and I've had no problems with teeth bleeding since then.

When my daughter was young she started spitting up a lot of blood and it was found to be from her adenoids, she had them removed and the problem was solved. I'd start with your dentist first, meanwhile when you brush your teeth make sure you are brushing right up to the gums and use dental floss too. Initially this may make your teeth bleed more, but that's ok. Also note which teeth are bleeding, so that you'll be able to point them out to your dentist.

Best wishes

Jean

I go along with previous advice. Have a dental check up.

I experienced waking with alot of blood in my mouth and pillow case badly stained on more than one occasion.

Nothing found amiss with INR etc. Had some dental work done. No more problems.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

If this is dental , which I think highly likely then you have gum disease which is so common here in UK unless you pay for dental hygiene . I suggest that you get that sorted out as a matter of priority . Don't wait till your teeth start falling out like mine.

in reply to BobD

Also when I was on anticoagulants my dentist said use a soft toothbrush. I buy child-sized soft brushes. I don't have bleeding and off AC-s but still use my soft small toothbrushes. Floss 1-2 times a day as needed and don't brush too hard. I also gargle with sea salt. And change your toothbrush often. For me, it's once a month.

Wightbaby profile image
Wightbaby

Yes...agree with Bob! I KNOW I have got gum disease, and my dentist is treating it, with assistance of the hygienist. I am on Warfarin...my gums bleed a bit, most times I clean my teeth, but it soon stops.

I also sometimes used to also get blood in my mouth from nowhere, when I had a shower!!

This really worried me....I had an examination with ENT and he told me it was the blood vessels in my throat...close to the surface or something? He said I should drink more water (cure for everything!!). I don't particularly drink any more than I used to, but it hardly ever happens now, and I have just put it down to yet another of the little idiosyncrasies of taking Warfarin...!!! Like the burst blood vessels I occasionally get on my forehead too!!

Such a joy this condition!!!

Get it checked out by all means...then stop worrying about it.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Gum disease may be a cause of heart disease so don’t ignore - good oral hygiene and regular hygienist appointments will solve the problem.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

Sounds more of a dental problem so go and see your dentist. Bright red blood is surface blood.

willywombat44 profile image
willywombat44

Recently purchased a Waterpik which is a flossing substitute using water jets. Marvellous! Gums are much healthier and no bleeding when brushing or annoying bits stuck between teeth. Use twice a day. Also removes plaque over time so also have a nice smile again!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to willywombat44

I had one of these for many years, had two over time. Then my dentist told me not to use it as it can push infection up into the gums. Was really disappointed but did as I was told. It's amazing what comes out from between the teeth isn't it?

Jean

willywombat44 profile image
willywombat44 in reply to jeanjeannie50

That surprises me as I have found that my gums are much healthier since using it and as there is no debris hanging about any more i should not get an infection.

I notice that bleeding gums can be a side effect of Apixaban which I take, don't know if you take anticoagulants too. Just thought I'd mention it. Hope your problem resolves soon.

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