The sight of blood on your dental floss can be alarming, often leading people to stop flossing entirely, which is the opposite of the correct action. While seemingly traumatic, bleeding gums are usually a signal of inflammation and a reversible condition, not a sign that you are damaging your gums. The body’s immune response causes the tissue to become tender and bleed easily when plaque is disturbed. Understanding the underlying reasons for this reaction and applying precise cleaning methods can successfully resolve the issue.
Primary Causes of Bleeding Gums
The most frequent cause of gum bleeding during flossing is the accumulation of a sticky, colorless film called plaque along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria that release toxins, which irritate the surrounding gum tissue. This irritation leads to gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily with minor provocation, such as flossing or brushing. The inflammation causes blood vessels in the gums to dilate and become more fragile. When this plaque is not removed, it can harden into calculus, or tartar, which further irritates the gums and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss alone.
Bleeding can also be caused by secondary factors unrelated to long-term hygiene, such as a recent, sudden change in your routine. For example, if you begin flossing after a long period of neglecting it, your inflamed gums may bleed for the first few days as they heal and adjust. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can increase gum sensitivity, as can certain medications like blood thinners.
Mastering Proper Flossing Technique
Stopping the bleeding requires removing the plaque that causes the inflammation, achieved through consistent, correct flossing. Proper technique involves using a long section of floss, approximately 18 inches, allowing a clean two-inch segment for each pair of teeth. Wrapping the bulk of the floss around your middle fingers helps maintain control while using your index fingers and thumbs to guide the working section.
The “C-shape” technique ensures the floss wraps around the entire surface of the tooth. Once the floss is gently worked between two teeth with a slight back-and-forth motion, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth surface. You then slide the floss gently into the space between the tooth and gum, moving it up and down five or six times to scrape the plaque away.
It is important to clean below the gumline until you feel slight resistance, but you must avoid “snapping” the floss forcefully, which can cut the delicate gum tissue. After cleaning the side of the first tooth, slide the floss out, reposition it into a “C” shape against the adjacent tooth, and repeat the scraping motion.
Different types of floss, such as waxed, unwaxed, or PTFE monofilament, primarily vary in how easily they slide between tight contacts, but the technique remains consistent. Initially, your gums might bleed more when you first start flossing correctly, but with consistent daily practice, this bleeding should significantly reduce within one to two weeks as the inflammation subsides.
Enhancing Your Overall Oral Hygiene Routine
While correct flossing targets the plaque between teeth, a complete hygiene regimen reinforces overall gum health to prevent future bleeding. The method you use for brushing is equally important, requiring a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating sensitive gums. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, using short, gentle, circular strokes to clean the tooth surface and the area where the tooth meets the gum.
Brushing twice daily for two minutes removes plaque from accessible surfaces, complementing the flossing action. Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash can further reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, helping to calm gum inflammation. Consider alcohol-free products if you prefer to avoid a drying sensation.
Alternative tools like interdental brushes or water flossers can be beneficial, especially for individuals who struggle with traditional string floss. Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean the space between teeth. Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to flush out plaque and debris from the gum pockets. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in vitamins C and K supports gum tissue strength, contributing to healthier gums from within.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Although most flossing-related bleeding resolves with improved home care, persistent bleeding is a sign that professional intervention is necessary. If your gums continue to bleed frequently after two weeks of diligently practicing correct flossing and brushing techniques, you should schedule a dental appointment. This persistence may indicate that the gingivitis has progressed or that hardened calculus is present below the gumline.
Calculus cannot be removed by home care tools and requires a professional cleaning, often called scaling, to scrape it away from the tooth surface. You should also seek immediate professional evaluation if you notice other concerning symptoms accompanying the bleeding. These signs can point to a more advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting the teeth and requires specialized treatment.
Concerning Symptoms
- The presence of pus between the gums and teeth.
- Significant gum recession.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Any teeth that feel loose.