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Why does my tongue bleed out of nowhere?

There are a few potential reasons why you may notice blood on your tongue or in your mouth that seems to come out of nowhere:

Mouth Injuries

If you’ve recently bitten, burned, or otherwise injured your tongue, this is likely the cause of any bleeding. Minor injuries can happen easily, like accidentally biting your tongue while chewing or talking. The blood vessels in your tongue are close to the surface, so even small cuts or irritation can cause bleeding.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of your gums caused by a buildup of plaque. It’s a common condition, especially if you don’t brush and floss regularly. The inflammation causes your gums to become tender and bleed easily. This includes bleeding of the gums around the base of your teeth.

As the blood mixes with saliva, it can make it seem like the blood is coming from your tongue rather than your gums. Look for other signs of gingivitis like red, swollen, or tender gums.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Certain vitamin deficiencies, like low vitamin C, vitamin K, or iron levels, can cause bleeding or bruising throughout your body. This includes unusual bleeding from your tongue or mouth.

Along with tongue bleeding, be on the lookout for other symptoms like frequent infections, fatigue, lightheadedness, or poor wound healing.

Blood Thinners

Medications that thin your blood or prevent clotting, like warfarin or aspirin, increase your risk of excessive bleeding. Even minor mouth injuries can cause bleeding that is hard to stop if you are taking these types of medications.

Oral Cancer

While rare, bleeding from your tongue or mouth may be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer can develop on your lips, gums, inner lining of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, tongue, or tonsils.

Look for other potential symptoms like mouth sores or lumps, trouble chewing or swallowing, ear pain, or numbness in your mouth. See your dentist right away if you have any concerns.

When to See Your Doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if:

  • Bleeding from your tongue is excessive or lasts longer than 24 hours
  • Bleeding happens frequently
  • You have other symptoms like mouth pain or injuries
  • You take blood thinners and have bleeding from your tongue

They can examine your mouth and tongue to determine the cause of bleeding. Based on the cause, they may provide specific treatment or advice to prevent further bleeding episodes.

Prevention

To help prevent random tongue bleeding:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily
  • See your dentist regularly for cleanings and oral exams
  • Treat any mouth injuries right away with antiseptic rinse
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods that can irritate your mouth
  • Drink water and chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow

When to Seek Emergency Care

In some cases, bleeding from your tongue may be a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Seek emergency treatment if:

  • Bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10-15 minutes
  • You lose a large amount of blood very quickly
  • Bleeding is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fainting, or heart palpitations

Excessive blood loss can lead to dangerous complications like shock or loss of consciousness. At the emergency room, doctors can give medications or blood products to control bleeding.

Conclusion

Noticing blood on your tongue unexpectedly can be alarming. But in many cases, minor mouth injuries or irritated gums are to blame. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can prevent most cases of tongue bleeding.

See your doctor or dentist if tongue bleeding persists, occurs often, or comes with other symptoms. Prompt treatment can identify any underlying medical conditions. With the right care, random tongue bleeding should resolve quickly in most people.