If you see your gums bleed when you floss, it’s time to take a closer look at your oral care. In this blog post we’ll go over the reasons why you may be seeing red, and what you can do to stop it.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
- New to Flossing: We hope you’ve been in the habit of flossing daily since you were a kid, but if that’s not the case then it’s better late than never! We’re glad you’re starting now. Oftentimes, when people begin a new flossing routine their gums will bleed. After about a week of flossing, this should clear up.
- Medications: There are certain medications, such as blood thinners, that may cause you to bleed while flossing. If this is the case, be sure to report this side effect to the doctor who prescribed you the drug in question.
- Gum disease: If the previous two causes are off the table, your gums might be telling you something. Bleeding gums are a key sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease that can progress and put your teeth in danger if left untreated. Periodontitis, in its advanced stages, can leave you at risk for tissue damage and tooth loss.
Tips to Stop the Problem
If you’re dealing with bleeding gums when you floss, you’ll want to get to the bottom of the issue before you’re confronted with gum disease. Face the issue head on by working on your oral care routine and your diet. That means eating healthy foods, a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies and low in processed sugars and carbs. It also means continuing to floss daily and to brush twice daily for two minutes each time you do. Be sure to use gentle pressure and a soft-bristle. An electric toothbrush can be a great tool for hard brushers.
Healthy Gums at Milltown Family Dentistry
The key to healthy gums? Twice yearly visits to see us for your cleaning and exam. Without professional dental care, you’ll be at risk for a build up of hard-to-reach plaque, and eventual tartar, that will put your teeth and gums at risk. If you don’t have a visit planned, call us today!
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