Gum Bleeding When Flossing: What to Do?
If you've ever flossed and noticed gums bleeding, you're not alone. Bleeding gums can be a sign that you're not flossing enough - and that's not good news if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Here's why gums might bleed when flossing, and what you can do to avoid it.
What Causes Gum Bleeding When Flossing?
When you floss, your dentist recommends using a thin strand of floss with small gaps between the teeth. This type of floss is often called “thread floss” or “microfloss.” But what actually causes gum bleeding when you floss?
There are a few factors that can contribute to gum bleeding when flossing:
Weak Gum Resilience:
Gums can be more susceptible to bleeding when they’re weaker. If your gums are weak, they may not be able to hold onto the wax and dental plaque as well as stronger gum tissue. This can lead to gum bleeding when you try to remove these materials with floss.
This means that the gum doesn't have the ability to withstand force before it breaks. When this happens, blood can flow freely from the gums. To prevent gum bleeding, it's important to have strong gum resilience.
Damaged Gums:
If your gums are damaged, they may not be able to withstand the force of teeth cleaning debris. This can cause gums to bleed and leave redness and soreness. If these particles are large or sharp, they can damage your gums. This is why it is important to use a soft toothbrush and to floss gently. You should also avoid flossing too hard or too often, as this can also damage your gums.
Brushing Technique:
The way you brush your teeth can also affect gum bleeding. To prevent gum bleeding, it is important to brush the teeth using the correct technique. The most important part of brushing is to use circular, back-and-forth motions on all of the teeth. You should also use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and massage it onto your toothbrush for a better clean. Be sure to wait at least two minutes after brushing before eating or drinking anything.
How to Stop Gums from Bleeding When Flossing
When flossing, it is important to use a water flosser if you have gum problems. Water flossers are gentle on your gums and loosen plaque quickly.
If you're like most people, you floss at least once a day. But did you know that water flossers are a great way to prevent gum bleeding? According to WebMD, using a water flosser instead of regular floss can reduce the amount of bleeding by up to 75%. And best of all, water flossers are gentle on your gums.
This way, your gums don't have to fight against plaque and tooth decay on their own. Plus, using a water flosser helps to rid your teeth of any built-up calculus, which can also cause gum bleeding.
It's easy to use, and you can do it at home without having to go to the dentist. Here's how to use a water flosser:
- Fill the water reservoir to the desired level.
- Choose the type of water flosser you want to use. There are manual water flossers, electric water flossers, and sonic toothbrush-style water flossers. The best water flosser to use is the one from B.Weiss.
- Put the nozzle of the water flosser into your mouth and turn it on.
- Swish the water across your teeth in a back-and-forth motion for two minutes. Be sure to brush all of your teeth!
- Rinse your mouth and teeth with cold water to remove any residual fluoride.
Prevention Tips for Gums That Bleed When Flossing
If you suffer from gum bleeding when flossing, there are a few things you can do to prevent the problem. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your floss is of the correct length. "Too short" floss can easily catch on teeth and cause irritation, while "too long" floss can easily get pulled out of between teeth and cause bleeding.
Additionally, make sure your floss is properly sharpened- if it's not sharp enough, it will not pierce teeth effectively and can cause bleeding. Finally, be sure to use gentle pressure when flossing- too much pressure can cause gums to bleed more than they should.
Conclusion
It can be a bit of a mystery as to why we have gum bleeding when we floss. After all, it's just pulling gum away from the teeth! The answer actually has to do with how our gums are attached to our teeth. When you floss, you're actually hitting these attachments directly with the floss — and that can cause them to break free. This is what leads to your gums bleeding, which usually goes away once the blood flow subsides. If you're still experiencing bleeding after trying this simple fix, please see your dentist for further assistance.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.
