Wash your hands
Sit upright and lean slightly forward
Rinse your mouth gently with cold water
Apply firm pressure to the bleeding area with clean gauze or a clean cloth for 10 to 15 minutes
If you do not have gauze, bite down gently on a clean piece of cloth or damp tea bag
Hold an ice cube or cold compress against the tongue or inside the mouth
Avoid talking, chewing, spitting, or rinsing forcefully
Avoid hot foods, alcohol, and smoking
If the bleeding is from a cut, keep pressure on it until it stops
Seek urgent medical care if bleeding is heavy, does not stop after 15 to 20 minutes, or you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or feel faint