WHY YOUR GUMS BLEED WHEN FLOSSING

Approved and reviewed by Dr. Lee, a dental professional of over 35 years. LEARN MORE

Dr Robert Lee

Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.

Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.

Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.

Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health. You can find a list of the blogs Robert has approved below:

SEE MORE

• Receding Gums: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
• What are Dental Caries? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Dental Scaling and Root Planing Explained
• Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
• Types of Gum Disease: Stages, Factors & Related Conditions
• Cavity Treatments: What are Ways to Treat Cavities?
• Tooth Plaque and Dental Tartar
• What is Periodontitis? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Tooth Decay and Cavities: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Remedies, and Treatments

SEE LESS

• Causes of Bleeding Gums when Flossing
• Gentler Floss and Flossing Alternatives
• Sensitive Gums Oral Care

You may experience tender or bleeding gums when flossing or even brushing. One of the most common causes of bleeding gums when flossing is gum disease caused by plaque bacteria. Long term plaque bacterial growth can lead to gum issues and cavities. Flossing once a day and brushing twice daily with an electric toothbrush removes more bacterial plaque helping to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Causes of Bleeding Gums when Flossing

Gum bleeding is actually a more common instance than most people realize, and may not be a reason for concern, however there are instances of gum bleeding where visiting your dental professional may be best. Below are the common causes of bleeding gums when flossing:

• Infrequent Flossing: If you don’t floss at least once a day, then your gums may be more prone to bleeding when you do reach for the floss. Aim to brush after meals and floss at least once every day to limit your chances of gum bleeding.
• Vigorous Flossing: Flossing with too much pressure can cause some gum bleeding to occur. Try flossing gently in between teeth to help limit instance of bleeding gums.
  Learn how to floss properly
• Plaque Buildup: Plaque can build up along and below the gum line, especially when a thorough oral care routine is not practiced daily. The buildup can lead to bacteria, tartar buildup, and even gum disease which causes gums to bleed if not taken care of properly.
• Gum Disease: Gum or periodontal disease can cause gums to bleed. Symptoms can also include red or swollen gums and hypersensitivity when brushing or flossing. See your dental professional right away if you show any signs of gum disease.
• Pregnancy: Hormones can impact your oral health during pregnancy, and with high levels of progesterone, gums are more prone to developing gingivitis and bleeding gums.
• Brushing Too Hard: Brushing with too much pressure can leave gums vulnerable to damage and may cause bleeding. To help protect gums from overbrushing, several electric toothbrushes, like the Oral-B iO2 feature a pressure sensor so you’re always getting your perfect clean.
• Diet: What you eat can have effect on your gum health. Foods high in sugars and carbs can cause more plaque buildup to accumulate on teeth and gums, leaving them more susceptible to gum disease.

Gentler Floss and Flossing Alternatives

When it comes to keeping your gums in good condition, try brushing a minimum of twice a day and flossing at least once a day. To help remove more plaque from between teeth while staying gentle on fingers and gums, try Oral-B Glide Floss.

If your gums are sensitive to traditional floss consider using a water flosser. The Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced, Portable Oral Irrigator Handle featuring Oxyjet Technology features three unique modes: intense, medium, or sensitive so you can pick the water pressure that’s best for you.

Find out about other floss alternatives available.

Sensitive Gums Oral Care

If you’re more prone to sensitivity, try brushing with an electric toothbrush equipped with a sensitive mode. The Oral-B iO2 delivers an even gentler, perfect clean in just 1 touch with its Super Sensitive brushing mode, . Plus, it features a Smart Pressure Sensor to help protect gums from overbrushing.

First time electric toothbrush users may experience gum bleeding as they heal from gum disease. This should ease up after just a week.

From Oral-B the #1 brand used by dentists worldwide*.

*Based on surveys of a representative worldwide sample of dentists carried out for P&G regularly.

Sources:

https://granddentalgroup.com/why-do-my-gums-bleed-when-i-floss/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20patients%20who,teeth%2C%20gum%2C%20and%20tongue.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324613