What Causes Bleeding From Corner Of Mouth?

Posted on Fri, 4 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : When I woke up this morning, there was dried blood in the corner of my mouth about the size of a quarter. I didn't see any bleeding or sores inside my mouth and haven't had any dental work recently. I haven't had any head or neck surgery, but I am recovering from a hysterectomy in Mid October. I do grind my teeth when sleeping sometimes. What mat have caused this?

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might be bleeding from gums or cracks at the corner of mouth..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern..

As per your complain dried blood at the corner of mouth of the size of quarter with no signs of any sores or dental treatment..
Also a medical history of Hysterectomy and dental history of teeth grinding..

Well, it can be due to a few causes like bleeding from gums in case if the gums are inflamed or infected..
It can also be due to angular chelitis that is formation of cracks at the corners of mouth due to nutritional deficiency, fungal infection etc..

I would like to know a bit of more information so that I can guide you better..

1. Are you on any medication?
2. Do you have any small cracks on the corners of lips on the outside?
3. Was the blood only over the corner of mouth or there was any blood inside mouth also?
4.Do you have any other discomfort associated?
5.Do you suffer from chest burn or acid reflux?

Kindly answer the following so that I can guide you better..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (36 minutes later)

My medications are Nexium and Premarin. I also take a baby aspirin and a multi-Vitamin daily and Loratadine for allergies.
I do not have any small cracks on the corners of my lips on the outside, and I did not see my teeth or gums bleeding.
The dried blood was only over the right corner of mouth, but my tongue was slightly brown-colored, which may have been from blood.
My stomach aches.
I do suffer from acid reflux and take Nexium daily.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be bleeding from throat mucosa due to Acid irritation..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome Again..

Thanks for the reply..

As per your explanation it seems that there might be bleeding from the mucosa of throat due to irritation caused by the acid that is refluxes from stomach..

As you also take blood thinning medicine that is baby aspirin bleeding can occur more and for longer time due to anti- clotting activity..

As it has happened for the first time and also you do not have any other symptoms or discomfort nothing seems to be serious..

But in case if you have same symptoms again you should consult your treating doctor and get evaluated..

As of now continue with your medication, avoid spicy food and heavy meals..
Drink plenty of water and sleep with head slightly raised as compared to feet to reduce acid reflux..

Any further questions are welcome..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D