Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

Seeing red on your string of floss or tasting iron during or after a flossing session can cause alarm. Though the occasional bleeding can be expected with an aggressive or careless flossing moment, more frequent bleeding can be a sign of gum disease or other underlying oral health problems. Asking why your gums bleed when you floss means it’s time to take charge of your oral health!

Causes of Bleeding Gums When Using Floss

Bleeding gums after flossing are more common than most people realize. However, just because bleeding gums may be normal doesn’t mean they should be skipped over, especially if you have never had bleeding gums before. Below are the common causes of bleeding gums when using floss:

• Poor nutrition and oral hygiene
• Infrequent flossing
• Improper flossing
• Gum disease
• Plaque buildup

Since you know your oral health habits the best, you may be able to pinpoint why your gums bleed when you floss. However, if you are highly concerned or bleeding during or after flossing continues more than twice, reaching out to a professional like Dr. Beauchamp is in your best interest.

Remedies for Bleeding Gums

If you are experiencing bleeding, there are a few things you can do to stop or improve the condition. These remedies include:

• Gargling warm saltwater solution
• Learning new flossing techniques
• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Replacing your toothbrush every three months
• Maintaining routine exams and cleanings

Visit Us for Bleeding Gums

The best way to prevent or stop bleeding gums is to visit your local dentist for routine cleanings and exams. By removing tartar and plaque from your gum line and maintaining good oral hygiene, our team can detect dental problems before they progress.

Not only do we examine your mouth for dental problems during your routine visits, but we also can determine if you’re doing a well enough job at caring for your oral health and provide you personal tips. Contact our office today to schedule your visit!

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