Bellevue Azalea Dentistry discusses about the gums bleed after brushing or flossing.

Bleeding Gums While Flossing

It is a common issue if your gums bleeding while you’re flossing, so you don’t need to worry about this. But it’s important to know why this happens and when you might need to see your dentist.

Your gums can bleed because they’re a bit inflamed, often from plaque and bacteria buildup. Sometimes, if you floss too hard or not correctly, your gums can get irritated and bleed too. Bleeding gums can happen because of a big problem called periodontal disease.

To keep your gums healthy, make sure to floss and brush your teeth regularly and gently. If your gums keep bleeding or get worse, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. They can help figure out if there’s a more serious dental problem that needs fixing.

Now, let’s learn more about what causes gum bleeding and how to stop it from happening again.

Causes of Bleeding Gums While Flossing

So, why are your gums bleeding? There are a few reasons you may have noticed some pink in the sink.

Infrequent Flossing

If you don’t floss your teeth often, your gums might be too sensitive to begin flossing regularly. Even if you’re new to flossing, you might notice a little bleeding when you start, but that’s okay as long as it stops soon. The important thing is to do it consistently! You should try to floss every day until your gums get used to it. Usually, any small bleeding will stop after about a week, unless you have gum disease.

Harsh & Improper Flossing

If you floss your teeth too hard, you might make your gums bleed. Gums are soft and have lots of tiny blood vessels, so they can get hurt if you use too much force. To avoid this, it’s important to keep brushing your teeth every day and floss gently once a day.

If you don’t take good care of your teeth and let plaque build up around your gums, it can lead to bacteria and tartar that need to be removed by a dentist. If you don’t get your teeth cleaned by a professional in time, your gums can get swollen and infected, causing them to bleed when you brush or floss. So, it’s crucial to make sure you take good care of your teeth every day and visit the dentist regularly to stay healthy.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection caused by too much plaque. It can make your gums hurt and bleed easily. If you don’t get it fixed, it gets worse, causing your gums to swell and hurt even more when you brush or floss. In really bad cases, it can hurt your bones and make you lose teeth. Don’t wait, see a dentist now.

When you take care of your teeth, be nice to your gums when you floss, and do it the right way. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day for the best dental health. If your dentist says your gums are sensitive, use a water flosser with regular floss or switch to an electric toothbrush for a gentle but thorough clean.

Using blood-thinning medications

Using blood-thinning medications is another reason why your gums might bleed. These medicines, which help prevent blood from clotting too much, can sometimes make your gums more prone to bleeding when you brush or floss. If you’re taking blood thinners and notice gum bleeding, it’s essential to let your dentist know. They can provide guidance on how to care for your gums while on these medications and ensure your dental health stays on track.

Always communicate with your healthcare providers about your medications and any side effects you experience to keep your gums and overall health in good shape.

Regular Dentist Visits Can Stop Gum Bleeding

Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent gum bleeding. When you go to the dentist regularly, they can keep an eye on your oral health and catch any gum problems early. This means they can help stop gum bleeding before it becomes a big issue.

During these visits, your dentist can also give you tips on how to take care of your gums at home. They might suggest the right way to brush and floss or recommend products that can help.

So, if you want to avoid gum bleeding and keep your gums healthy, make sure to see a dentist in Bellevue on a regular basis. It’s an essential step in taking good care of your teeth and gums.

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About the Author
Dr. Uparika Sharma is the founder dentist of Bellevue Azalea Dentistry. In addition to general dental procedures, she evaluates TMJ, cervical spine, airway problems, chronic headache, and CRPS.

Author

Dr. Uparika Sharma is a trusted Dentist In Bellevue. She has been practicing for over 5 years at Bellevue Azalea Dentistry clinic. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Washington. Dr. Uparika Sharma is a member of the American Dental Association.