Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, but it’s also a pain in the- mouth. If you’re like many people, you may have noticed that your gums start to bleed when you floss. But why do flossing and bleeding gums seem to go hand-in-hand? Is it normal? And, more importantly, how can you prevent it from happening?
Why does flossing cause bleeding gums?
First, let’s get one thing out of the way: bleeding gums while flossing is not unusual. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, it’s quite common. But why?
According to Dr. Matt Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, flossing done improperly can cause bleeding gums. He explained that if you don’t floss regularly, your gums can become inflamed, making it easier for them to bleed. But if you floss too hard or too aggressively, you can also damage your gums and make them bleed.
“Think of it like this,” Dr. Messina said. “If you don’t floss regularly, your gums can become weak and inflamed, like someone who hasn’t worked out in months. But if you suddenly start to floss every day, and you do it too hard, you can tear your gums like someone who lifts weights without proper form.”
Dr. Messina also explained that there are several underlying reasons why your gums might bleed while flossing. One of the most common causes is gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Other causes can include pregnancy, hormonal changes, and certain medications like blood thinners.
How can I prevent bleeding gums while flossing?
The good news is that bleeding gums while flossing is often preventable. Here are some tips:
- Floss regularly: If you don’t floss regularly, your gums can become inflamed, making it easier for them to bleed. Aim to floss every day.
- Be gentle: Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss or using too much force.
- Use the right amount of floss: Use about 18 inches of floss to clean between your teeth, and make sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
- Consider using a water flosser: Water flossers, like the popular Waterpik, can be gentler on your gums than traditional floss. They use a stream of water to clean between your teeth and can be especially helpful for people with braces or other dental devices.
It’s also important to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. He or she can help you identify any underlying issues that might be causing your bleeding gums and recommend the right treatment plan.
Is bleeding gums while flossing normal?
As we’ve already mentioned, bleeding gums while flossing is not unusual. In fact, it’s often a sign that you need to floss more regularly rather than less. According to the American Dental Association, most people who don’t floss regularly will experience some bleeding when they first start flossing, but this should go away within a week or two.
If your bleeding gums persist for more than a week or are accompanied by other symptoms like pain or swelling, it’s important to see your dentist. You could have an underlying issue like gum disease that requires treatment. But for most people, bleeding gums while flossing is simply a sign that they need to improve their oral care habits.
“Bleeding gums are not always a sign of gum disease,” says Dr. Samuel Low, chief dental officer of the University of Florida. “But if you don’t floss regularly, you’re more likely to develop gum disease, which can cause bleeding gums. So, for most people, some bleeding while flossing is just a reminder to floss more often.”
References
Mistake, Jillian. “The Bleeding Gums Dilemma: Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?” Mens Health, 6 Oct 2021, www.menshealth.com/health/a36892201/bleeding-gums-causes-and-treatments/.
“Flossing.” Mouth Healthy, American Dental Association, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing.
Duff, Cameron. “How to Use a Waterpik for a Clean Mouth and Healthy Gums.” Healthline, 16 Mar 2020, www.healthline.com/health/waterpik.
“Bleeding Gums.” Mayo Clinic, 21 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-gums/basics/causes/sym-20050683.