You’ve recently gotten into the habit of flossing. You’re excited to finally get on top of your oral hygiene. It seems great, until you notice it makes your gums bleed. What gives? Should you keep flossing? Is this a sign of gum disease? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
If you’ve just started a new flossing routine, it’s completely normal for your gums to bleed a little as they get used to the new cleaning between the teeth. However, this should subside after about a week. Keep flossing so your teeth can get accustomed to flossing. Also, if you’re taking blood thinners, your gums could bleed more easily when flossing. Finally, your gums might bleed if you brush too hard. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that’s gentler on your gums. If none of these items relate to you and your gums still bleed, you just might have gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums caused by buildup of bacteria in the form of plaque, typically as a result of poor oral hygiene. There are 3 stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This first stage can usually be treated with antibiotics or increased brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis: The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been damaged beyond repair at this stage. Your gums may have formed a pocket below the gumline, which can trap food and plaque.
- Advanced periodontitis: In the final stage of gum disease, the structures supporting your teeth are destroyed. Your teeth have started to shift and may fall out or need to be extracted.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Alert your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Teeth that look longer because of receding gums
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease’s greatest enemy is regular oral hygiene. Follow these habits to keep gum disease at bay:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time.
- Floss at least once a day, if not after every meal.
- Use mouthwash to clean areas of your gums that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
- Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning.
Gums bleeding when you floss isn’t the end of the world, as long as you see your dentist if your problem doesn’t go away. Make sure to practice proper oral hygiene to keep bleeding gums at bay.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana earned his dental degree from the prestigious NYU School of Dentistry. He has his own private practice in Mesquite, TX, and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Association. To learn more about how to prevent gum disease, click here or call (469)-399-7288.