Many times, people experience the pain and discomfort of bleeding gums while flossing. This discomfort can lead to a hesitance to floss regularly, which is a detrimental habit. Dental care is of the utmost importance to overall health. Your oral hygiene not only keeps your smile bright, but it prevents serious health issues.
So, why do gums bleed when flossing? Bleeding, redness, and swelling in the gums is a sign of inflammation. This inflammation often indicates gum damage or gum disease. What is typically a symptom of an early-stage, less severe disease, can often lead to more severe conditions- that is, gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum diseases). Both of these diseases can lead to tooth loss and other serious health conditions. Because of this, it's crucial to address any bleeding gums promptly.
Establish a flossing routine where you can dislodge leftover pieces of food. This dislodging paired with the small amount of increased bleeding the flossing might cause will stimulate your gums and improve gum health.
Understanding Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a common dental problem—or maybe you just see a little pink on your toothbrush.
The cause of bleeding gums is almost always the same: Plaque buildup that has turned into inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Good brushing and flossing should remove the plaque on the teeth and some of the gums, but it can be easy to miss an area where bacterial buildup can happen, especially if you don't eat a lot of vegetables that scrub the gums (kind of like brushing) while you're eating.
In addition to other good-brushing techniques, floss. It gets the toothpaste down into the gums—to help brush them, and the fluoride will help keep them clean. Flossing is also a good idea because it will scrape food and plaque away from the four faces of two teeth when you are done!
The Importance of Flossing for Dental Health
Flossing is crucial for oral hygiene because it helps to get into the nooks and crannies of your teeth where toothbrushes sometimes can't reach. Floss gets rid of the food and other buildup in these places, which contributes to plaque. Plaque is problematic because it can lead to cavities and gum diseases.
Along with plaque buildup (which turns into tartar), food can cause breath problems, as well.
Tooth pain can also carry on if you don't keep up with a regular routine of flossing. Tartar irritates the gums once it is hardened to plaque, which can be painful under most circumstances.
Keeping your mouth nice and clean helps contribute to fewer mouth problems for the future as well as maintaining your oral health.
When to See a Dentist
It is important to recognize the signs that you need to see a dental professional. One of the most startling signs is dental bleeding. This symptom can point to the presence of a more serious condition, such as gum disease. Not to be ignored, symptoms like this can lead to the risk of tooth loss or other systemic health problems. That is because the bacteria in the gums can cause serious infections in the bloodstream. Good oral hygiene is as important for your health as washing your body is—especially when it comes to bleeding gums. Brushing and flossing help knock out plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, when left in the mouth, can cause gum disease. Inflammation and bleeding are essentially your body’s way of waving the red flag of surrender to the white flag of plaque and bacteria and screaming, "Do something today about your dental care routine, please!"