Your gums may bleed when you floss for several common reasons:
- Infrequent flossing: If you don't floss regularly, your gums may be more prone to bleeding when you start flossing again. This is because plaque and bacteria build up along the gum line and between teeth, causing inflammation. When you begin to floss regularly, gums may bleed initially but usually get better with continued flossing.
- Vigorous or improper flossing technique: Flossing too hard or incorrectly can injure your delicate gum tissue and cause bleeding. Gently moving the floss up and down along the curve of each tooth without snapping it down into your gums can help reduce bleeding.
- Plaque and tartar buildup: Without consistent flossing, plaque can harden into tartar which irritates the gums and leads to swelling, making them bleed more easily.
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease, which is inflammation and infection of the gums due to bacterial buildup. This condition needs dental care as it can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
- Other causes include hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, or infected teeth.
Bleeding gums when flossing is common for those new to flossing or who haven’t flossed for a while, and typically improves as gums get healthier with regular flossing. If bleeding persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like swollen gums, pain, or bad breath, it’s important to see a dental professional to rule out gum disease or other oral health issues. Using a gentle flossing technique and regular daily flossing can help keep your gums healthy and reduce bleeding over time.
