Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
By Jelena, Dental Hygienist at Your Hygienist Warkworth
One of the most common reasons I hear from patients for not flossing is:
“I stopped flossing because it makes my gums bleed.”
Sometimes patients also tell me their gums feel tender or sore after flossing, so understandably they assume the floss is damaging their gums.
But in many cases, the opposite is true.
If your gums bleed when you floss, it can be a sign that your gums are already inflamed due to plaque and bacteria accumulating around and between your teeth. Rather than being a reason to stop flossing, bleeding gums can be a sign that cleaning between your teeth needs a little more attention.
Why do gums bleed when flossing?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on our teeth.
While brushing is extremely important, your toothbrush cannot effectively clean all of the tight spaces between your teeth and around the gumline.
When plaque is allowed to accumulate in these areas, your gums can become inflamed. This early stage of gum disease is commonly known as gingivitis.
Inflamed gums may appear red or swollen, feel tender and bleed when you brush or floss.
So, when you start flossing and notice blood, it isn't necessarily the floss causing the problem. You may simply be disturbing an area of gum that is already inflamed.
I like to compare flossing to going to the gym
I often explain this to my patients using a simple analogy.
Think about going to the gym for the first time in ages.
Your muscles might ache afterwards. That doesn't necessarily mean exercising has harmed your muscles. They're simply not accustomed to the activity.
If you continue exercising regularly, your muscles adapt and become stronger, and that initial discomfort usually reduces.
Your gums can respond in a somewhat similar way.
If you haven't flossed regularly, there may be plaque sitting between your teeth and around the gumline. When you begin flossing consistently, the inflamed areas may initially feel tender and bleed.
But if you persevere with gentle, correct flossing, you're removing more of the plaque that contributes to the inflammation.
As the amount of plaque reduces, the inflammation can decrease, your gums can become firmer and healthier, and the bleeding should noticeably reduce or, in some cases, disappear completely.
Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?
In many cases, no.
If bleeding is caused by plaque-related gum inflammation, stopping flossing can allow even more plaque to accumulate between the teeth.
Instead, focus on gentle and consistent daily cleaning between your teeth.
Don't aggressively snap the floss into your gums. Gently guide it between each tooth, curve the floss around the side of the tooth and carefully clean below the gumline.
Depending on your teeth and gums, traditional dental floss may not always be the best option. Some people benefit from interdental brushes or other cleaning aids.
That's something your dental hygienist can help you determine.
What if my gums keep bleeding?
While occasional bleeding when you first improve your flossing routine can occur, persistent or unexplained bleeding shouldn't simply be ignored.
Bleeding gums can have several causes, and ongoing bleeding may indicate gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.
If your gums continue bleeding despite regular brushing and interdental cleaning, or you notice symptoms such as persistent swelling, gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth or significant discomfort, it's worth having your gums professionally assessed.
A dental hygiene appointment allows us to check your gum health and remove calculus (hardened plaque or tartar) that you cannot remove yourself with brushing and flossing.
Healthy gums shouldn't routinely bleed
The important message I give my patients is simple:
Don't automatically stop flossing because you see blood.
Bleeding can be your gums telling you that there's inflammation present and those areas need better plaque control.
With good brushing, regular cleaning between your teeth and professional dental hygiene care when needed, you can help reduce plaque and inflammation and maintain healthier gums.
And just like going to the gym, consistency makes the difference.
Need help with bleeding gums or flossing?
If you're unsure whether you're flossing correctly, your gums regularly bleed when brushing or flossing, or it's been a while since your last dental hygiene appointment, come and see me at Your Hygienist Warkworth.
I can assess your gums, professionally remove plaque and calculus, and show you the best way to clean between your teeth at home.
Jelena
Dental Hygienist
Your Hygienist Warkworth
62 Queen Street, Warkworth
Tel: 021 060 3540
Email: [email protected]