In this article, we answer a common question of our clients: Is it normal for gums to bleed when flossing? We also discuss how oral care techniques and procedures can improve the health of your gums.
Is It Normal for Gums to Bleed When Flossing?
If your gums slightly bleed when you accidentally push a floss too far into the gum, it might not be cause for concern, as in these cases the bleeding is due to trauma or a mild tissue laceration. We recommend being more gentle when flossing and using additional tools, such as floss picks or floss threaders, if traditional brushing is challenging.
However, if your gums bleed often or every time when flossing, it might signify the presence of an infectious condition called gum disease, especially if other symptoms are present:
- Red or swollen (puffy) gums
- Gums that pull away from your teeth (this condition is called gum recession)
- Persistent unpleasant breath or taste in the mouth that does not go away after flossing and brushing.
- Pain when touching your gums, chewing food, or brushing your teeth
- Pimples on the gums
- Pus in periodontal pockets (the spaces where your gum tissue connects to your teeth)
- Unstable teeth
The number and severity of the symptoms can depend on the stage of gum disease. For example, the earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be characterized by occasional bleeding and gum swelling. At the same time, advanced periodontitis can be accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as loose teeth and gum cysts.
Gum disease can be fully treated only in its earliest stage (gingivitis). That is why it is essential to address even the slight symptoms, such as occasional bleeding when flossing, and make an appointment with your dentist. If gingivitis is left untreated, it advances and becomes a chronic condition (periodontitis) that can only be managed, but not completely reversed.
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment Methods
The most important part of gum disease prevention and treatment is dedication to improved daily oral hygiene. An effective oral hygiene routine includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes (30 seconds on each side of the upper and lower arches)
- Cleaning well along the gumline and in hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth
- Choosing the right toothbrush: it should be firm enough to remove the plaque effectively, but not so hard that it hurts your gums.
- Flossing every evening, being careful not to harm or irritate the gums
- Using a water flosser in addition to traditional flossing and brushing has been proven to be effective at gum disease prevention.
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.
When treating gingivitis, in addition to improved oral hygiene, your dentist is likely to recommend more frequent cleanings (every 3 to 4 months) and might prescribe a course of antibiotics to reduce inflammation.
When treating periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, the following methods or a combination of several methods might be employed:
- Deep cleanings
- Scaling and root planing
- Antibacterial therapy
- Periodontal pocket reduction surgery (flap surgery)
- Laser procedures
- Gum grafting and bone grafting
- Guided tissue regeneration
Treat Gum Disease at The Smile Artists LA
If you notice signs of gum disease, such as frequent bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced Culver City dentist. At our dental office, we offer a wide range of treatment methods to help you restore your oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.
 "The Smile Artists")