Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
Are you noticing that your gums bleed when flossing? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of people experience this, so it’s important to educate yourself on this topic to maintain healthy gums, protect your gum tissue, and preserve your dental health.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
You’ve probably been told by your dentist that flossing is essential for healthy teeth. But, maybe you’ve tried and noticed bleeding afterwards. What causes this? How can you prevent it? Well, it often comes down to technique, with beginners typically flossing too hard. Of course, it’s a pretty easy fix to just, you know, floss more gently. But, what are some other common causes?
1. Brushing and Flossing Technique
Many people think that brushing harder cleans their teeth better. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Brushing too hard, or even using a toothbrush with worn bristles, can cause your gums to bleed. Always use a soft-bristled brush when brushing your teeth and, remember, you don’t need to press so hard that it irritates your gums.
2. Gingivitis or Poor Gum Health
Preventing gum disease is one of the primary goals of brushing your teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up along the gum line, it can result in swollen or tender gums, which can cause bleeding gums. This condition, called gingivitis or gum disease, can even evolve into periodontal disease, which can result in gum recession, bone decay, and tooth loss.
3. Blood Thinning Medications
Since they impede blood clotting, blood thinners can make you susceptible to bleeding gums. If you’re taking them for unrelated medical conditions, you’ll want to be aware that they can cause bleeding gums and adjust your oral hygiene routine accordingly. Again, be sure that you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush or use a pressure-sensitive toothbrush like the Sonicare 4100.
4. Poor Nutrition or Diet
Processed foods and foods high in sugar can irritate your gums. Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, then metabolize it into caustic acids that can weaken your gums, making it easier to damage them during regular flossing and brushing.
5. Pregnancy or Hormone Changes
Hormonal changes are one of the lesser-known causes of bleeding gums. Especially common during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, these hormones can change how your gum tissue responds to plaque, bacteria, and other conditions. Additionally, they can cause swelling, which often causes gums to bleed when flossing.
6. Extreme Stress
Beyond common causes listed above, stress can be another factor. When we’re stressed, our immune system is weakened, which can make it harder to resist infections. And, if an infection takes root in the gums, it can cause swelling, redness, and – of course – bleeding.
Analyzing Your Flossing Routine
Even if your flossing technique is perfect, it is nothing without consistency. Flossing every day can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, which reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and gum disease.
However, if you don’t floss daily, you won’t get to enjoy these benefits. Always make sure to use the appropriate dental floss and maintain consistent flossing habits. By avoiding these common rookie mistakes, you are one step closer to better gum health and oral hygiene.
Flossing and Gum Disease
As we mentioned before, gum disease can contribute to bleeding gums. But, it’s also a serious medical condition that should be addressed quickly by your dentist. Often characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums, gingivitis can lead to some serious medical issues.
If it’s left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more severe gum disease called periodontitis, which can lead to bad breath, receding gums, and tooth loss. Fortunately, there are a number of effective remedies and preventive steps to keep your gums healthy and avoid periodontitis.
Bleeding Gums Remedies
If you experience bleeding gums, there are several remedies to help improve your gum health. Of course, the easiest is to build a good daily routine. You should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush, use antibacterial mouthwash after brushing, and finish by flossing gently. Repeating these three steps consistently will help to prevent bleeding gums.
If you want to take it to the next step, you could work to improve your diet. By consuming a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, you can prevent bleeding gums ‘from the inside.’ In some severe cases, though, a deep cleaning from a dental professional might be necessary for long-term oral health.
Need to Schedule Regular Dental Checkups?
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining oral health and catching early signs of gum disease. Professional dental cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing might miss.
At West Wind Dental, we’ve geared our dental practice in Portage, MI toward ensuring quality care and personalized service. Our team will work with you to promote a good oral hygiene routine, which can help you avoid issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bleeding gums. By combining professional care with a solid daily routine, you’ll protect your gums and preserve your healthy smile.
Dr. Andrew Hamilton, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA) and also attends courses with the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO), has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), has graduated from and is an alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle, and is on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
The little spare time left over is spent Steelhead and Salmon fishing and the occasional round of golf.
