Dentists stress flossing and brushing since it is crucial for our dental well-being. If you are new to flossing, it could take some time to get the hang of it. However, it can be pretty scary to see your gums bleeding when flossing — what could be the reason? From improper flossing to gum disease, there are multiple factors that can result in bleeding after your dental care routine.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding When Flossing?
If you notice bleeding when you are flossing, there are multiple possible reasons that may be responsible, which include:
- Poor Flossing Technique: There are certain steps you need to follow in order to floss your teeth properly. Hence, in case you end up doing it improperly or aggressively, there is a chance your gums might start bleeding when flossing.
- Tartar: When plaque hardens, it transforms into something we call tartar. The presence of tartar sometimes results in bleeding gums, especially when you brush or floss.
- Bacteria Around Restorations: When you floss, you have to make sure to pay equal attention to every tooth, even the ones with dental restorations. This is especially true if you have a damaged or poorly restored tooth filling or a crown. If this is the scenario, your gums will bleed when flossing.
- Missed Dental Cleanings: If you have missed your dental cleaning sessions, it could allow bacteria and tartar to thrive and cause oral health problems. As a result, you may notice bleeding gums while flossing.
- Gum Disease: In some cases, blood in gums could signify periodontal disease. When your gums are infected, or you are dealing with another problem, flossing might result in bleeding.
- Oral Cancer: In some cases, oral cancer is confused with gum disease. Therefore, if your oral healthcare provider suspects that your gums are bleeding due to flossing, they might suggest oral pathology services.
What to Do For Bleeding Gums
Do your gums start bleeding when you’re flossing? You might think that flossing is harming your mouth instead of helping with dental well-being. However, you may notice bleeding if you have recently introduced flossing to your dental care routine. Therefore, you can expect the bleeding to stop after some time — but if it continues, it surely is a sign of concern.
If your gums start bleeding when flossing, wait for 3 days at least. In case the bleeding stops when you floss, it was probably due to the flossing. But if it continues even when you’re not flossing or for an extended period of time, you should visit a dental specialist. They can evaluate your flossing technique and conduct a diagnosis in case the bleeding indicates an underlying issue.
Tips to Prevent Bleeding Gums
It is pretty common for gums to start bleeding when flossing; however, that does not mean you should neglect it. Usually, the accumulation of plaque and tartar is to be blamed for the gumline bleeding when flossing. Here are some ways to avoid bleeding gums:
- Using the right toothbrush
- Floss with a gentle technique
- Do not smoke
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Attend your regular dental cleaning appointments
What Now?
If you have noticed gum bleeding when flossing, improper flossing technique, early-stage gum disease, and other factors could be why. It is best to wait three days and visit a dentist if there is no improvement. At Vintage Oral Surgery, our team can help put a stop to your oral health issues. Give us a ring at (281) 800 8852 or visit our team at 11620 Louetta Rd. Suite B Houston, TX 77070.