The little bit of pink on your floss? Your first thought might be, “Are my teeth about to fall out?!” So, you jump online, typing like crazy, “Why do my gums bleed when I floss?” If that’s you right now, take a breath. There’s nothing like that your teeth are about to fall out. But it is your body trying to tell you something.
Let’s see what causes bleeding gums while flossing and what you can do about it!
What Causes Bleeding Gums When Flossing?
Bleeding gums are normally a signal that there’s something wrong. Well, it’s not always something to stress about. You can go through the following to find out what might be going on:
Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)
The first one in the list is the reason that is most common. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, then the invisible, sticky stuff called plaque builds up. It’s basically a party for tiny bacteria on your teeth and right where your gums meet your teeth. This plaque will cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated, and they will bleed easily even if you’re careful with the flossing.
New to the Flossing Game
Recently started flossing? If you never flossed as a routine part of your daily life and have begun recently, your gums may be a little sore. This can cause temporary bleeding initially. This is similar to starting a new exercise routine, in which your muscles might be sore initially. When you stick with the routine for a time, your gums will toughen up.
Flossing Too Hard or Incorrectly
There are two ways to floss; one is right, and the other is wrong. Sawing back and forth in an aggressive way or snapping the floss down to your gums can definitely cause trauma and make them bleed. Gentle gliding is the key there.
Changes in Oral Care Routine
Changed your toothbrush or toothpaste a few days back? Sometimes, even the smallest changes can irritate your gums temporarily and cause your gums to bleed when you floss.
Certain Medications
There are some medicines that can make your gums more prone to bleeding, and these may be blood thinners, etc. If you are taking any medicine, it’s wiser to tell it to your dentist.
Underlying Health Conditions
It’s not necessary that bleeding gums are just a concern of oral hygiene. Certain health issues, like diabetes and vitamin deficiencies in C and K, can outright make your gums bleed. And if you’re expecting, those hormonal changes can make your gums bleed as well.
Simple Solutions: What You Can Do to Stop the Bleeding
Alright, you know why it might be happening. Now for the good news—often, the fix is pretty straightforward:
Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Game
This is the best and easiest solution. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush softly but thoroughly two times a day. And yes, don’t forget to keep flossing daily. It might be common if you see blood, but regular flossing can help remove the plaque that is responsible for the inflammation initially.
Be Gentle with the Floss
The second solution is being gentle, as this is very important. Keep sliding the floss in a smooth manner between your teeth and curving it around each tooth in a C shape. Carefully clean each surface without any kind of snapping or forcing.
Rinse Your Mouth
Take antiseptic mouthwash or just normal water and rinse your mouth with it after brushing and flossing. This process will help in removing any debris or reducing bacteria.
Check Your Technique
Go to your dentist and ask them how to floss the right way. Sometimes, just a tiny change in how you’re doing it can make a huge difference and stop the bleeding. They see this stuff all the time, so they’ve got the best tips.
Be Patient
Your gums will take a little time to adjust if you’re new to flossing. The bleeding will automatically stop within a week or two with gentle flossing.
When to See Your Dentist?
You can easily manage this at home, but something that isn’t ignorable is heavy gum bleeding. This could be a signal that you are suffering from a more advanced gum disease named periodontitis or any other issue.
You can schedule a visit with your dentist if:
- Your gums bleed heavily or for a longer period of time.
- The bleeding doesn’t stop after a week or two of consistent, gentle flossing.
- Your gums are also red, swollen, or tender.
- You notice your gums are receding or your teeth are loose.
- You have persistent bad breath.
It is your dentist who can properly diagnose why the bleeding is not stopping and also recommend the course of treatment to get your gums back to their happy state.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, come to the main question—why do my gums bleed when I floss? Alright, it shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is certainly a red flag to take notice of your mouth hygiene. Most times, a minor adjustment to your brushing and flossing routine is just what can make things okay. But if the bleeding persists, don’t put off calling your dentist.
