You already know that flossing plays an essential role in your oral hygiene. But if your gums bleed whenever you floss, you might be tempted to skip this step of your dental to-do list.
But did you know that gum bleeding is often a sign you need to be flossing more, not less?
If you’re concerned about your gums, come see Eric R. Koch, DDS, and our team at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas, located in Jasper, Texas. We can determine the cause of your gum bleeding and offer tailored gum treatment when you need it.
To start, though, let’s look at four reasons why your gums might be bleeding when you floss.
If it’s been a while since you flossed, the initial flossing can be hard on your gums. Stick with it, and the bleeding should resolve in about a week.
Many people’s gums bleed because they’re irritated and inflamed. That usually happens because you have gum disease.
Gingivitis, the first form of gum disease, is fairly common, and you can usually reverse it with proper oral hygiene. But if you let gingivitis go unchecked — by not flossing regularly, for example — it can develop into periodontitis. That can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and, eventually, lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, Dr. Koch offers gum treatment to reverse these issues and keep your mouth healthy.
Brushing too hard or really jamming the floss in between your teeth can cause bleeding.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful when you floss. Work your way up the curve of each side of the tooth, but don’t put too much pressure on your gums. For more info, check out this flossing guide.
Bleeding gums could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a swing in your hormones, or a medical condition. Certain medications can also cause gum bleeding.
Talk with our team first so we can rule out the other, more likely causes of gum bleeding. If nothing pertaining to your oral health is to blame, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Ultimately, gum bleeding might just be a sign that you need to be flossing more. But if you floss consistently and the bleeding persists, it’s time to see a dental expert. To ensure you’re not dealing with something that could compromise your oral or overall health, call our office or book your visit online today.
