Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Floss?

Perhaps you noticed bright red blood when you flossed your teeth or your periodontist in Plantation told you during your most recent dental cleaning that your gums bleed easily. Here’s what you need to know about gum bleeding when flossing.

Relationship Between Gum Bleeding and Flossing

Indication of a Gum Problem

Since bleeding usually signifies an injury, you may be inclined to quit flossing if you see blood while doing so. Although this is a common reaction, the sight of blood may indicate the need to floss more often. Some dentists say that infrequent flossing can lead to gum problems that result in bleeding. For this reason, you should take charge of your dental health care if your gums bleed while you floss.
Your gums protect your jawbones and the tooth roots. Healthy gums softly encircle your teeth to form a seal that keeps microorganisms at bay. They don’t bleed when you clean or floss your teeth, and they are naturally pink.
But if you’re like most people, you’ve probably observed that your gums sometimes bleed when you brush or floss. There are a number of potential causes of bleeding gums, but periodontal disease is the most common.

Common Periodontal Diseases

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two examples of periodontal disease. When bacteria from the food you consume turns into sticky plaque and accumulates on your teeth, gingivitis may occur.
Both adults and children can get gingivitis. Without professional dental cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar, increasing your risk of decay and periodontitis. Further, your gums get irritated and inflamed due to bacteria, plaque, and tartar along the gumline.
When this happens, your gums get darker and start pulling away from your teeth. Your irritated, swollen gums begin to bleed whenever you try to brush or floss away that buildup.

Get a Hold of the Best Periodontist Plantation!

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. The most severe form of periodontal disease, periodontitis, can result in increased gum sensitivity, gum recession, and ultimately tooth loss. It’s best to contact Dr. Francisco Montamarta to address this concern before it gets worse. Give us a call today!