Bleeding Gums While Flossing: Causes and Effective Solutions

Many patients visit Icon Dental Center asking, ‘Why do my gums bleed when I floss?’ The answer varies for each person. Bleeding gums after flossing can be caused by a range of factors, from harmless to more serious dental issues. It’s important not to ignore dental problems. We have listed the causes behind bleeding gums to help you make informed decisions.

Reasons Why Gums May Bleed

Bleeding gums can occur for a variety of reasons, and the cause behind your gums bleeding when you floss can depend on several factors.

  • How long has the bleeding been happening?
  • Are hormonal changes a factor at this stage in your life?
  • Have there been any changes to your diet or medications?
  • Are you experiencing symptoms of an underlying health condition?

A Normal Response to Starting a New Flossing Routine

  • If you’ve never flossed regularly or have recently resumed flossing after a long break, bleeding gums can be a common occurrence. Flossing generally strengthens gums to prevent bleeding, but neglecting the practice can cause inflammation, making your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.

If the bleeding stops after a few days of continued flossing, it may be the result of starting a new routine. However, it’s essential to report any gum bleeding, even if it subsides. Gum bleeding is a symptom that shouldn’t be overlooked, as it might not always be linked to a new flossing habit.

Gingivitis or Periodontitis

  • Even if your gums stop bleeding after starting a new flossing routine, it’s essential to talk to your dentist about the possibility of gingivitis or periodontitis. Both of these gum diseases are caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line, which can lead to infections.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease. In periodontitis, pockets form around the gums where bacteria accumulate, worsening the infection and potentially causing tooth and bone loss. While your dentist can treat gum disease, preventing it through regular flossing and cleanings is far less painful and costly.

Hormonal Changes

  • Hormonal shifts can have a significant impact on your gums, increasing the likelihood of bleeding. Certain stages of life and conditions, such as pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, puberty, and the use of hormonal birth control, are times when people may be more prone to gum bleeding. The culprit is progesterone, a hormone that increases blood flow throughout the body, including the gums.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums due to hormonal changes, more frequent dental visits may be necessary. These visits can help prevent gum disease through regular cleanings to remove plaque and reduce inflammation.

Use of Certain Medications

  • Certain medications, especially blood thinners, can make your gums more prone to bleeding. Blood thinners reduce your body’s ability to clot, which means even minor irritations may lead to more significant bleeding. Chemotherapy is another common cause, often resulting in mouth ulcers and gum bleeding.

Get Help From Professionals At Icon Dental Center

Portrait of beautiful woman cleaning teeth with dental floss

  • If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or any signs of gum disease, it’s important to address the issue early. At Icon Dental Center, our periodontics services are designed to help you prevent and treat conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis before they cause more serious complications. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the best oral care practices, offer professional cleanings, and provide tailored treatments to keep your gums healthy.

Treat and reverse gum disease to improve your oral health today. Our experts at Icon Dental Center can help you determine the treatment needed to keep periodontal disease at bay. If you have questions or want to improve your gum health, contact us at 206-225-2882. Our clinics are located in Seattle and Everett.

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