Why do gums bleed when flossing?
Bleeding gums while flossing may be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.
This occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and irritates your gums.
Here’s what happens
Plaque buildup - bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame your gum tissue.
Swollen gums - inflammation causes your gums to become red, swollen, and tender.
Bleeding - when you floss, you disturb the inflamed gum tissue, causing it to bleed.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
How to lower your risk of gum disease?
Floss daily - regular flossing helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Brush twice a day - use a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria.
Visit your dentist regularly - professional cleanings can help remove tartar buildup and detect early signs of gum disease.
A little bleeding when you first start flossing is normal (especially if you’re too rough) but persistent bleeding is a cause for concern. As the saying goes, “healthy gums don’t bleed”.
If you're experiencing bleeding gums, we recommend you schedule an appointment with one of our dentists for a comprehensive check up.
Did you know
Did you know that flossing dates back to prehistoric times? Archaeologists have discovered evidence of flossing in ancient civilisations, including using horsehair and twigs to clean between teeth.
In the early 19th century, a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly is credited with inventing the modern form of dental floss. He recommended using silk thread to clean between teeth, and even wrote a book about the importance of oral hygiene called 'A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth.'
Today, dental floss comes in a variety of materials and flavours, and is an essential part of any oral hygiene routine. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.
At Curran Dental, we recommend flossing at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have questions about how to floss properly or need recommendations on which type of floss to use, our team is here to help.