Seeing blood after flossing is common and can be unsettling. While it may cause concern, it often indicates that oral hygiene practices are warranted. This bleeding signals a need to review your daily routine and gum health. Addressing this issue promptly helps maintain a healthy mouth.
Primary Reasons for Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is the most frequent reason for bleeding gums during flossing. This condition develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on and around the teeth, irritating the gum tissue. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, exacerbating gum irritation and leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling, making gums prone to bleeding.
Bleeding can also occur from aggressive or improper flossing techniques, such as applying too much pressure or snapping the floss forcefully. For individuals new to regular flossing, some initial bleeding is common as gums adjust, typically subsiding within about a week. Certain medications like blood thinners can increase gum bleeding. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or puberty, can also heighten gum sensitivity. Nutritional deficiencies, specifically a lack of vitamins C or K, are less common factors.
Improving Gum Health and Proper Flossing
To improve gum health and reduce bleeding, consistent and correct flossing is important. Begin by breaking off 18 to 24 inches of dental floss, winding most around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two. Hold the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it between your teeth using a careful back-and-forth motion.
Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth, gently sliding it beneath the gumline until you feel slight resistance. Move the floss up and down several times along the side of the tooth, then repeat on the adjacent tooth before carefully removing the floss. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria. Regular brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes each time, angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline, complements flossing by removing plaque from tooth surfaces. If recommended by a dentist, an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria and inflammation.
When to Consult a Dentist
While occasional bleeding may resolve with improved oral hygiene, persistent bleeding from your gums should prompt a dental consultation. This is especially true if bleeding continues for longer than two weeks despite consistent flossing and brushing. Other concerning signs that warrant professional evaluation include pain or swelling in the gums, receding gums where teeth appear longer, or if teeth feel loose.
A dentist can assess the condition of your gums, identify the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include a professional dental cleaning to remove stubborn plaque and tartar. Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, are important for preventing and addressing gum issues early. If bleeding gums are accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as unexplained bruising or fatigue, it may indicate an underlying health condition, and a medical doctor should be consulted.