Lots of us get a bit nervous about flossing because it can leave our gums feeling tender and looking red. But here’s the thing: we can’t just brush off bleeding gums. Sure, bleeding might be due to sensitive gums, but if your gums constantly bleed when you floss, that could be a sign of gum disease.
Your friendly dentist can take a good look at your gums during a dental exam and spot any signs of trouble. Remember, brushing and flossing aren’t just chores—they’re vital for keeping your family’s smiles bright and healthy. And with proper care, you might even dodge the need for restorative dental procedures like root canals. So, keep up the good work!
Is It Bad When Gums Bleed?
If you’ve recently made a commitment to flossing regularly without doing it for a long time, bleeding gums are actually fairly common. Most of the time, it’s not serious—as long as the bleeding stops quickly. Your gums are essentially reacting to an unfamiliar situation and should get the hang of it soon enough. But don’t let that stop you—keep on flossing!
However, if the bleeding seems excessive and continues after you’ve stopped flossing and brushing, or continues for several days or weeks, that could be a sign of a more serious oral health condition.
Bleeding from Improper Flossing
If your gums are bleeding, it could be because you’re flossing a bit too hard or maybe not quite right. You can use softer floss if you need to. While you floss, focus on moving the floss gently around your teeth and gum line.
If the bleeding persists, visit your dentist to get their advice about what the cause could be.
Bleeding from Poor Nutrition
Eating right can do wonders for your body, and it can also help keep your mouth strong and healthy! A lack of vital nutrients can leave your gums weak and prone to bleeding.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for gum health. A severe lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy, where the connective tissues in your gums can begin to break down and bleed. While scurvy is uncommon, you don’t need this aggressive form of vitamin C deficiency to notice bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums often, try eating more foods high in vitamin C, such as:
- Citrus fruit
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Sweet peppers
- Mango
- Strawberries
Bleeding from Gingivitis & Periodontitis
If your gums are a little red and puffy, you might be dealing with gingivitis or an even more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
These conditions are often caused by plaque and tartar buildup—the stuff that forms when we don’t brush and floss like we should. When we forget to brush and floss, gingivitis can ramp up to periodontitis, which could even cause you to lose a tooth.
Seeing a bit of blood after brushing or flossing can be a common sign of gingivitis. But there are other symptoms to look out for too, including:
- Red gums around teeth
- A change in gum colour
- Puffy or shiny gums
- Soreness
- Bad breath
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- Sensitive teeth
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy can bring a whirlwind of changes, and some of them can affect your gums. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive to bacteria. This, plus changes to the blood vessels in your gums, could lead to inflammation and more bleeding.
So, double up your focus on brushing and flossing during this time and let your dentist know if you notice any gingivitis symptoms.
Bleeding from Smoking
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can be a major factor in causing gum disease. It not only brings more harmful bacteria into your mouth and onto your teeth, but it can also lower your body’s ability to fight off infections.
An increase in nasty bacteria from tobacco use can lead to problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even loss of bone support for your teeth. Bleeding while flossing can be an early indicator that tobacco use is affecting your teeth. So, if you smoke or use tobacco, it’s worth thinking about how it might be affecting your smile.
Bleeding from Medical Conditions
While they aren’t necessarily the most likely cause, certain health issues like diabetes and leukemia can increase the likelihood of your gums bleeding. Something like diabetes might not cause bleeding gums directly, but it can increase your risk of developing gum disease and make wounds in your mouth heal slower.
Bleeding from Medications
Some medications, like blood thinners that prevent blood from clotting, may cause bleeding gums, especially when combined with other factors we’ve mentioned. If you’ve started on a new medication and you’re seeing regular bleeding when you floss, talk to your doctor.
How to Avoid Bleeding Gums
Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. It’s a simple habit that can remove bacteria and food leftovers from your mouth—and it helps you dodge pesky cavities and gum disease that can cause bleeding gums.
If you notice a lot of bleeding or the bleeding just won’t stop after flossing, don’t wait around. See your dentist as soon as possible to see if it’s something like gingivitis. The good news is that in many early cases, gingivitis can be prevented or even reversed with proactive care.
Remember, stopping problems before they start is usually easier than treating them. Most folks should see their dentist at least every 6 months. Some might need to go more often, but you should always stick to what your dental team suggests. We have your oral health at the top of our priority list.
Oral Care All About You
Spotting blood on your floss can be scary, but a lot of the time, it’s simply a sign you’re taking a step toward protecting your oral health. Keep brushing and flossing every day. It’s one of the best ways to maintain a bright and healthy smile.
If there is something deeper going on, our friendly team at Rockwood Dental is ready to help. We can ease your mind and help make you feel comfortable knowing your family’s dental health is in professional hands. If you’re worried about bleeding after flossing, don’t hesitate to book an exam with us!
