Gums bleeding while flossing is not normal; however, you are not alone in this. In fact, it is a very common problem, and we are to help you out. In this blog, we have detailed 7 reasons why your gums may be bleeding during the flossing part of your oral regime so that you can take measures for improvement.
Lack of Oral Hygiene
Your mouth flora is full of good and bad bacteria for your oral health. When you brush and floss, they are forcefully flushed out of your mouth. If you do not brush regularly, these bacteria become plaque that is hard to clean. So, when you try taking that out, your gums bleed.
Pregnancy
This blissful time changes a lot of things for women. Amongst the hormonal fluctuations, your gum also takes the hit and becomes more vulnerable, and your body becomes more susceptible to inflammation and consequent bleeding during flossing sessions.
Medications
Drugs like blood thinners increase the chances of bleeding gums. Therefore, take your dentist into account for this and ask for alternatives.
Rigorous Flossing Technique
If you scrape too hard, the dental floss can pierce through your gums, causing them to start bleeding. That is why you must ask your dentist to give you appropriate details regarding it.
Ill-Fitted Dental Appliances
Dentures and braces can also cause bleeding gums. You might get a little blood if they’re not exactly exact or if there’s an exposed wire anywhere. This is most likely to occur after brushing or flossing because you may push loose braces parts into a soft region on your gums.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent illnesses of the mouth globally. Many people suffer from gum irritation due to infection or tooth decay. If you have this type of periodontal disease, you may also have a swollen, red gum line that aches or itches. Bleeding at inconvenient times, other than while flossing, can be a sign of gum disease.
Vitamin Deficiency
If you lack vitamins like C or K in your system, your gums will most likely start bleeding as soon as you start flossing because they are tender and weak.
Should You Floss Every Day?
Yes, because flossing removes plaque and food debris from places where toothbrushes cannot enter. Brushing only gets half of your mouth; the other 50% is flossing. If you happen to do it once in a while, bleeding while flossing is inevitable since the plaque is too much, and secondly, your gums are fragile and not used to it.
When Is The Best Time To Floss?
The most effective time to floss is before brushing your teeth before going to bed. This lets the fluoride in your toothpaste reach the largest surface area on your teeth. If flossing causes gum bleeding, we recommend flossing after each meal for 3-10 days until the bleeding stops.
Final Note
Flossing does wonders for your mouth, and skipping it can range in several troubles. You can contact periodontal specialists from Pearland Family Dentistry for more information on safe flossing techniques. Talk to our team at (832) 649-7344. You can also meet us at 11508 Pearland Pkwy Suite 600, Houston, TX 77089.