Dr. Jennifer Vitarelli

Why Do Gums Bleed When You Floss After a While

At Viteralli Dental, Saddle River, perhaps the most common thing our patients tell us that their gums often bleed when they floss and this is the reason behind them giving it up completely. But truly, flossing has nothing to do with it even if the patient insists that their gums are sensitive. 

And worse of all, most patients believe that a little bit of bleeding from their gums is okay. It really is not!

Despite how many people believe, bleeding from flossing or brushing your teeth is not a normal thing! Unfortunately, bleeding gums usually mean that something is wrong with your oral health and flossing is probably not the reason why they bleed. Most of the time, you may need to change your dental hygiene practices a bit to see relief. 

Healthy Gums Never Bleed

  • No matter how often, or not too often you floss, healthy gums should never bleed. Bleeding is, in fact, a sign of an underlying condition in your mouth which can be revealed through consistent and regular periodontal therapy

The bleeding you experience while flossing or brushing is due to inflammation caused by bacteria that builds up around your teeth and into your gums. This should never be taken lightly. 

Here is why.

  • If you do not brush your teeth often, or at least daily with the correct technique, plaque can grow and accumulate on the surface of your mouth and underneath your gum line. This leads to inflammation of the gums which is commonly referred to as gingivitis in dental language.

Anyone, including dental hygienists and dentists who do not floss for at least a period of 2 weeks will develop gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gum tissue that occurs when excess plaque is present and it can take on an aggressive form depending on the bacteria living in your mouth.

  • But don’t worry, it is a condition that is easily reversible and typically heals after getting a professional dental cleaning done at a dentist’s office. But you will still need to adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine in order to prevent it from happening again.

When a dentist does not remove plaque above and below the gum line, it can harden and turn into tartar. This can further irritate the gums leading to more inflammation that can result in damage to the bone. 

  • So it is very important to seek treatment of gingivitis on time because if you do not, it can lead to a worse condition that is often irreversible. 

Daily Flossing Is Crucial

We hope that after reading this post, you should be convinced enough to not quit flossing. If your gums bleed as a result of flossing or brushing your teeth then you should visit a dentist immediately and seek out dental cleaning.

At Viteralli Dental, our doors are always open for new patients seeking regular dental cleanings or periodontal therapy. Contact us through phone or email and book your appointment today. 

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