My Gums Bleed When I Floss. What Am I Doing Wrong?

Question: Nearly every time I floss, at least one spot on my gum line starts to bleed. What am I doing wrong?

There are a few differences of opinions out there that we hear a lot in our office. Some people think that if they experience some bleeding while flossing that they are just doing a REALLY good job of getting between their teeth. Others are immediately worried when they see any blood and think the worst. The truth lies somewhere between these two extremes.

Gums bleeding often during flossing is likely a result of gum disease, or gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. When you enter into the advanced stages of gum disease, it’s likely that you will experience tissue loss and tooth loss. So, the long and short of it is that if you regularly experience bleeding during flossing, it’s a sign that something may be wrong with your gums and that you should meet with your dentist to discuss why the bleeding may be occurring.

Have more questions about bleeding gums during flossing? Contact the professionals at DentaLux today!