Flossing is often not as practiced due to the lack of proper education about it compared to toothbrushing. Sadly, this reality is the reason why many often have poor dental hygiene, leading to bleeding gums while flossing. 

While this condition can be concerning, it’s important you know why it’s happening and how you should address this. For your guidance, feel free to use this article as your guide and refer to the following questions:

What Are the Main Reasons Why My Gums Are Bleeding as I Floss Them? 

Besides flossing too roughly in between the teeth, causing intense friction that permeates the gums, there are other significant factors that lead to bleeding gums, and you may be alarmed by them since it’s generally not common knowledge. As such, change this outlook to flossing by referring to the following reasons: 

  • Bacteria buildup: Bleeding in the gums shows early signs of gum disease due to the prominence of bacteria, plaque, and other harmful substances. This buildup is normally seen in between the gumline and teeth, leading to bleeding when flossed. 
  • Improper oral hygiene techniques: When you are flossing, it can be possible that your gums are now just reacting since you are finally working on getting out the residue stuck in your teeth after a long time. In other words, you may not be brushing your teeth and flossing enough. 
  • Overdue for cleaning and dental checkup: Remember, brushing and flossing alone cannot address your oral health problems. You must have a cleaning done by a professional dentist at least twice or thrice a year and checkups, depending on your health and lifestyle. If you are due for your cleaning, take advantage of our cheap teeth cleaning in Edmonton Smiles for your convenience. 

Should I Stop Flossing When My Gums Bleed?

When you see blood coming out from your skin, we are often taught to believe there’s an issue, like a wound or cut, meaning you shouldn’t irritate it further by touching it. The problem with this approach is it’s not applicable to bleeding gums. It’s because the bleeding simply means you are doing the right thing by deep flossing and doing so more often. Fortunately, bleeding gums stop after 3-10 days. It’s only when the bleeding goes beyond ten days that means something is wrong and needs immediate dental attention. 

How Often Should I Be Flossing My Teeth? 

Remember, flossing gets into places that your toothbrush, toothpaste, and even mouthwash cannot get into, meaning it’s something you should do daily. If not, you can expect more oral health complications, leading you to replace your teeth entirely. Worse, more bacteria buildup can weaken your immune system, affecting your quality of life. Thus, floss twice a day and brush your teeth thrice a day. 

What Is Considered to Be Proper Flossing?

The main goal of flossing is for you to remove food particles lodged in your teeth and the liquid-like, gluey plaque that grows in between your teeth and gums. To ensure you do this, you have to go far down your gums when flossing but do so without cutting your actual gumline. Then, move the floss back and forth until you see no more plaque coming out. You can do this for each tooth twice to be extra thorough. 

Conclusion 

Bleeding gums can be a cause for concern for you, especially if you have never seen it happen before. Fortunately, now you know that it’s a common occurrence, and you just need to be more proactive and responsible about your oral health. As such, remember all the vital information above and start flossing better today! 

Are you looking for the best dentist in Edmonton to answer your floss-related questions and address your dental needs? Then you have come to the right place! We at Edmonton Smiles can offer you a range of cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental, and preventive solutions for your utmost convenience. Book your next consultation to ensure you have bright teeth and healthy gums! 

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