Teething and Bleeding: Is It Common?
I am a first-time mother with a 7.5-month-old who is currently experiencing the emergence of his first two lower teeth. I've observed some bleeding in his mouth; on one occasion, there was a noticeable amount, though typically I see just small spots or flecks of blood around the area of the emerging teeth. Is this a typical occurrence? Interestingly, his twin brother hasn’t experienced any bleeding at all while teething. Furthermore, I had the impression that most of the discomfort should wane once the teeth begin to show, yet my little one appears to be in significant pain, and his teeth haven’t completely broken through the gum line yet. I am quite worried, being a first-time mom. Thank you for any guidance you can provide!
Answers (1)

8/22/2025, 10:04:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about your baby's teething experience, especially as a first-time mother. Bleeding can occur during teething, but let’s break down what you might be seeing and experiencing.
Main Points:
- Some bleeding during teething can be normal, particularly if the gums are irritated or if the teeth are pushing through.
- Your baby’s level of discomfort can vary significantly; not all babies will show the same signs of pain or bleeding.
- Keep an eye on the situation and take steps to manage your baby's comfort.
Explanation: Teething typically starts around six months and can lead to the emergence of baby teeth through the gums. When this occurs, it can sometimes cause small amounts of bleeding due to the gums being sensitive or swollen as the teeth push through. It's not unusual for one baby to show more signs of discomfort or bleeding than another, even among siblings.
If your baby is still showing significant pain with the teeth not completely broken through, this can be a normal part of teething, as the process varies for each child. Teething symptoms can include increased drooling, fussiness, and changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Bleeding: Small spots of blood can be common, but if you see a large amount of blood or ongoing bleeding, it would be worthwhile to consult a pediatrician to ensure there are no other underlying issues.
-
Comfort Measures: Consider using cold teething rings, wet washcloths chilled in the fridge, or gentle gum massage with a clean finger to help soothe the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be used if recommended by your child's healthcare provider.
-
Oral Hygiene: Make sure to gently clean your baby’s mouth and gums regularly to help with any irritation. A soft, damp cloth after feeding can be helpful.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on his overall well-being. If he seems excessively fussy or if you have any concerns about his health or bleeding, make a note of these symptoms and consider discussing them with a healthcare professional.
Lastly, take some deep breaths—teething is a challenging phase but it is temporary. You're doing a great job by seeking information and supporting your baby through this process!
Related Questions
How to Address Eczema or a Potential Fungal Infection on Your Leg
Age/Sex: 23, Male Height/Weight: 178 cm / 80 kg Medication: Uciderm 15 gm Tobacco Use: No Health Concerns: Eczema I struggle with eczema, which I usually control using a moisturizer from QV. Recently, I noticed a significant patch on my leg that hasn't shown any signs of improvement. I'm uncertain if it's a flare-up of my eczema or if it could be a fungal infection, as it appeared after I wore the same pair of socks for over a day. This patch has since turned into an open sore, and I experience discomfort, especially when jogging. I've experimented with various treatments, including letting it breathe, cleansing it with water prior to applying creams, and occasionally shielding it with a sock or a bag for protection. Unfortunately, none of these remedies have yielded positive results thus far. What steps should I take next? Would it be advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine if it's indeed a fungal infection versus eczema?
Comprehensive Overview of Body-wide Joint Discomfort and Rigidity
A 42-year-old individual, who does not smoke or consume alcohol, is currently prescribed Nefedipine and Labetalol to manage hypertension. This patient has also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), elevated blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. For the past two years, an overwhelming sensation of discomfort has pervaded every joint in their body. This distress worsens after prolonged periods of sitting or upon waking each morning, making movement excruciatingly painful. The onset of the pain transpired prior to pregnancy, and the individual has suffered from shoulder impingement syndrome following an injury. Now, it feels as if similar issues pervade every joint. Additionally, there are sporadic episodes of numbness in the right big toe, which began after a long-distance move that involved extensive driving. About a decade ago, the patient was treated with Ciprofloxacin for over a month due to a stubborn urinary tract infection. Following this treatment, heart-related concerns arose, alongside difficulties in regulating heart rate. While there had been some joint pain previously, it is nothing compared to the severity experienced now.
Recurring SL Ligament Injury - Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone, I’m M33 from Germany. **Quick summary:** I suffered a tear in my SL ligament, underwent reconstruction, but it sustained another tear shortly after. I’m exploring options for a second reconstruction or possible non-surgical treatments. **Expanded story:** For the past five years, I’ve experienced occasional mild discomfort when putting pressure on my hand, particularly during activities like push-ups. After a notably long bike ride led to prolonged pain lasting about two months, I decided to seek medical advice. Fortunately, the pain subsided gradually during the recovery period. Last year, doctors suspected I had a torn SL ligament and recommended an arthroscopy for a definitive diagnosis. It felt unusual to consider surgery without having severe pain, yet the risk of further damage to adjacent ligaments was highlighted, which could eventually lead to the need for a complete wrist fusion. Naturally, I wanted to avoid that scenario, leading me to proceed with the surgery. The arthroscopy confirmed my fears—a torn ligament was present. Subsequently, I underwent two additional procedures: the reconstruction and the removal of the stabilization wires later. Despite completing physiotherapy and strengthening my hand, I still felt discomfort when weight-bearing on my wrist. After another MRI, the results indicated a new tear, and once again, a recommendation for arthroscopy and reconstruction has been made. My confidence in this surgical route is understandably diminished, making me reluctant to agree to another operation. I've sought second opinions from other specialists, who concur that, in the long run, surgical intervention might be necessary. Two osteopaths have echoed this sentiment but also suggested that a conservative treatment approach could potentially be beneficial. They mentioned that this would involve regular fascia release and muscle strengthening, though I find that to be quite uncertain. Now, I’m at a crossroads: my faith in surgical intervention has waned, yet I remain doubtful about the efficacy of conservative methods. If these non-surgical options fall short, I could be facing significant complications soon. Adding to my personal conflict, I am an avid volleyball player. While I only play for fun and not in competitions, it's a big part of my social life, and I would be reluctant to give it up. At the same time, I am aware that volleyball can place considerable strain on the wrist, albeit I don't experience pain during play. I’m reaching out for insights from both medical professionals and those with similar experiences. **To medical experts:** * Do you believe reconstruction remains the optimal long-term solution? * Could conservative approaches succeed? Specifically, does there seem to be a chance that surrounding tissues might remain unharmed for the next few decades (I’m currently 33, so aiming for about 30 more years)? * Are there alternative treatments you could recommend? I realize my situation might be assessed with limited data, but any feedback would be greatly valued. **To those with personal experience:** * Did you opt for surgical reconstruction or conservative treatment? * Would you make the same choice again knowing what you know now? * How has your wrist functioned in day-to-day life? * How does it hold up during sports activities, especially those that heavily involve wrist movement (e.g., volleyball)? * When did your tear occur? Any insights would be immensely helpful!
Understanding Heel Calluses: A Protective Response?
At the age of 60, I recently began a job that keeps me on my feet for most of the day—my smartwatch reports I'm averaging over 15,000 steps daily. Initially, I made an effort to reduce the appearance of my calluses, but now I'm starting to question whether they serve a purpose. Could these calluses be my body’s way of safeguarding against the wear and tear? At this stage in my life, I'm indifferent to others' opinions about my feet, and honestly, the calluses don’t bother me much. I'm simply curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. I’m leaning towards leaving them as is, at least until I plan for a beach getaway; then I might consider a pedicure. What do you think?
21F Experiencing Heavier Than Normal Menstrual Bleeding for Three Months Without Clear Diagnosis
I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 1.71 meters tall and weighing 93 kilograms. I do not consume alcohol or cigarettes, I’m not currently sexually active, and I have no history of pregnancy. I take birth control pills containing Ethinylestradiol and gestodene for contraception. In addition to these, my medication regimen includes Venlafaxine and Ponstan. As indicated in the title, I have been experiencing a continuous menstrual period for the past three months. Despite undergoing MRI scans, ultrasounds, and consultations with several healthcare professionals including gynecologists, my hematologist, and emergency room doctors, I have not received an explanation for my symptoms. The only finding regarding my uterus is that it is tilted, but that doesn’t seem to be related to my current issue. Today, I had an appointment with my hematologist, who recommended further blood tests. However, she doubts that I have a coagulation issue, as I do not exhibit bleeding in other areas or show bruising. I find myself in a state of confusion, unsure of the next steps to take in addressing my situation.