Ever wonder why gums bleed when floss? lets find out today.
If you’ve noticed bright red blood while flossing your teeth at home, or if your dental hygienist informed you during your most recent tooth cleaning that your gums were bleeding, you may be wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
Bleeding is often an indication of damage, which may prompt you to stop flossing altogether. However, gums bleed when floss is a common reaction, and it usually means that you should be flossing more frequently.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When Floss
gums bleed when floss are actually one of the most common signs of periodontal disease, a dangerous oral condition that increases your risk of tooth loss and other problems.
Therefore, if you see gums bleed when floss, it’s important to continue flossing regularly and to schedule an appointment with your dentist to address any underlying issues It’s time to take charge of your oral health care if you can still see blood from your gums while you floss.
HQ Dental is home to two highly skilled dentists: Dr. Quyen Tran and Dr. Hiep Pham. In order to give our patients a lifetime of healthy smiles, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and reversal of periodontal disease.
The bleeding of gums can be a symptom of periodontal disease. Gums are the soft tissues that surround your jawbones and tooth roots and are naturally pink. Healthy gums firmly hold your teeth to form a seal that keeps bacteria out.
They do not bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. However, if you notice gums bleed when floss, it could be an indication of periodontal disease.
Causes, Types, and Prevention
While there are a few other potential causes for gums bleed when floss, periodontal disease is the most typical. Gingivitis and periodontitis are examples of periodontal disease. When food-borne bacteria transform into sticky plaque and accumulate on your teeth, gingivitis results.
Gingivitis affects both adults and children frequently. If plaque isn’t cleaned off on a regular basis, it becomes hard tartar, which raises your risk of periodontitis and decay.
From Irritation to Periodontitis
Your gums get irritated and inflamed when bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up along the gum line. It’s possible for your gums to stop being pink and start to separate from your teeth. Your swollen, inflammatory gums begin to bleed as you try to brush or floss away that buildup. Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis if left untreated.
importance of Flossing for Comprehensive Oral Care
Periodontitis is the most severe type of periodontal disease that can cause gum recession, heightened gum sensitivity, and eventual tooth loss. While brushing is essential for dental care, it is not sufficient to remove plaque from the narrow gaps between your teeth or below the gum line. This is where flossing comes in handy. Using dental floss helps get rid of plaque buildup between the teeth and under the gums before it hardens into tartar. To floss properly, gently slide a small piece of soft dental floss back and forth between the teeth, making sure to get in between each tooth.
Techniques for Healthy Gums
To properly floss, slide the floss up and down and gently press it against your teeth to move it beneath your gums. Avoid forcing the floss into your gums (when gums bleed when floss), as it may cause damage. Initially, you may experience some minor bleeding when you start flossing, but with regular flossing, the bleeding should stop within a few minutes, and your gums should stop bleeding in a few days. If your bleeding persists or worsens, it may indicate improper flossing technique or a hidden medical issue. In such cases, please get in touch with our office for a consultation. Contact HQ Dental to schedule an appointment and receive brushing and flossing tips.
Please reserve online or give our Georgetown office a call at (512) 863-7561
Leave A Comment