It’s probably happened to you: You’re flossing your teeth, and you suddenly notice a bit of red on the floss. Your gums are bleeding. What do you do? Do you stop flossing? Do you make an emergency call to the dentist? Do you go about your business? Seeing blood while or after flossing can be a bit scary, but it can also be a strong sign that you have some habits that need to change.
The team at Gairhan Dental Care knows that bleeding during flossing is more common than most people think. However, it’s often also a sign of potential problems such as poor hygiene, excessive brushing, or early gum disease. How do you know which one, and what should you do if your gums bleed? We’ve got the answers!
Why Do My Gums Bleed After Flossing?
There are three main reasons why your gums bleed after flossing or sometimes even during flossing. Those reasons are poor hygiene, intense brushing, and gum disease. Whether one tooth bleeds after flossing or several gums bleed after flossing, persistent bleeding isn’t good, but it can be fixed. Each of these can be resolved or prevented with a few changes in your habits.
Poor Hygiene
Your gums will bleed after flossing if you don’t floss very often. A lack of flossing is considered poor oral hygiene because you need to floss and brush your teeth daily. Flossing daily will keep your gums strong and healthy and prevent bleeding. It will also reduce your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
For best results, floss first, then brush. Flossing first removes particles between your teeth and allows you to brush them away more easily. It also allows brushing to get between teeth and allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to coat the sides of your teeth, strengthening their most vulnerable areas.
Intense Brushing
Brushing your teeth too hard can irritate the soft tissue of your gums. This can cause your gums to bleed. There are several steps you can take to prevent this. The first step is to use a soft-bristled brush. Soft-bristled brushes will get your teeth clean without irritating your gums.
The second step is to change your toothbrush or your electric toothbrush head often, usually every 2-3 months. Over time, the bristles will become too soft and bend or spread out, making them less effective at cleaning.
Some people feel the solution for this is just to press harder or brush more intensely. Not only does this not clean your teeth any better, but it also can irritate your gums. The third step to keep your gums from bleeding is to reduce the pressure you use when brushing. There is no need to press hard to brush, especially with a new toothbrush head. Take it easy!
If you’re not sure when to switch your toothbrush or toothbrush head, look for those with “indicator” bristles. These are colored bristles that fade over time. Once they’ve faded, either halfway down or all the way, it’s time to change out the toothbrush head.
Gum Disease
The third main reason your gums bleed after flossing is that you have gum disease or the beginning stages of gum disease. With gum disease, your gums may also appear red and irritated or may be swollen. If left untreated, they can become infected and lead to tooth loss.
Flossing gums irritated by gum disease can cause bleeding. The bleeding can be heavier than with just intense brushing. It can also be painful because irritated or infected gums will be painful anyway. Applying more pressure to such tissue can increase your pain.
If you suspect you have gum disease and you’re in the Jonesboro, AR, area, come into Gairhan Dental Care right away. Gum disease should be treated as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss.
Should I Stop Flossing If My Gums Bleed?
This is a common question, and it seems logical, right? If your gums bleed after flossing, you just shouldn’t floss, right? Wrong. More often than not, your gums are bleeding because you don’t floss enough. So unless flossing proves to be painful, you shouldn’t stop flossing. It’s not uncommon for slight bleeding to occur if you haven’t flossed in a while. It should stop as your gums toughen, and your oral hygiene improves. However, you should call Gairhan and consult a dentist if the bleeding is severe, the flossing is painful, or if the bleeding doesn’t stop or happens several times in a row.
How Do I Keep My Gums From Bleeding?
So how do you keep your gums from bleeding? The easiest way is also the simplest one: Floss and brush your teeth regularly! We recommend you floss first, then brush at least twice a day (although ideally after every meal) for at least two minutes at a time. Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
If you do have concerns about bleeding gums, give us a call at Gairhan Dental Care if you’re in the Jonesboro, AR, area, or you can request an appointment online. We can give you a thorough examination to determine the cause of your bleeding gums. We will give your teeth and gums a good cleaning and make recommendations on how to prevent further bleeding and gum disease.
