If Your Gums Bleed Every Time You Floss, Here's What Dentists Want You to Know
Woman getting ready to floss her teeth
The American Dental Association stresses the importance of flossing at least once daily to keep teeth and gums clean. However, if your gums bleed every time you floss, you may be tempted to ditch this healthy habit. You may also wonder, "Is chronic gum bleeding even normal?"
The short answer is no.
"When gums bleed, it's a big sign of trouble," says Dr. Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist with Smiles of NYC. "Typically, gums bleed because of inflammation."
This inflammation may have one or more triggers. Other times, it's not inflammation at all. Getting to the root cause of why your gums bleed every time you floss is your normal is essential for fixing this issue.
"It is important to know the reasons why gums bleed so that a patient can seek proper treatment and so that a patient can be shown how to prevent their gums from bleeding in the future," says Dr. Jay Rubin, DMD., the director of implantology and clinical professor of dental medicine at Touro College of Dental Medicine.
Dentists discuss reasons for chronic gum bleeding and what to do about it (Hint: Don't brush it off—literally or figuratively).
5 Reasons Gums Bleed When You Floss
1. Inconsistent oral hygiene
In addition to flossing once per day, the ADA recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. "If you're not brushing and flossing properly and consistently, your gums can bleed," Dr. Kosdon says.
When you don't consistently brush and floss, more plaque builds up, triggering inflammation (and bleeding).
"Consistent flossing can help mechanically remove plaque and reduce the inflammation," says Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS, the owner of Orange And Magnolia Dental Studio. "If plaque is not removed consistently, it can accumulate and can calcify into tartar via the mineral content in the saliva."
Dr. Kahng says that people new to flossing will also experience gum bleeding, but it should subside within two weeks.
2. Trauma
Your gums, like any body part, can experience trauma. "Sometimes patients...accidentally hit their gums while brushing," Dr. Rubin says.
Ouch. Other times, trauma isn't the result of a one-off accident but happens over time.
"Localized bleeding is usually from brushing too hard or flossing incorrectly, which can cause trauma to the gums and teeth," says Dr. Alice Hoang, DMD of Brooklyn Mint Dental.
3. You're pregnant
Morning sickness, heartburn and the constant urge to pee are some commonly discussed—and annoying—pregnancy symptoms. And if you're bleeding every time you floss, well, your pregnancy could be to blame.
The reason? "Hormone changes," explains Dr. Kahng.
4. Smoking
Need another reason to kick the habit? Your gums have one for you.
"Smoking tends to weaken the immune system, making gums more susceptible to bleeding," Dr. Kosdon says.
5. Another underlying health condition
"Bleeding gums can also be a sign of various systemic illnesses, which is why it’s important to always talk to your dentist if bleeding persists," Dr. Hoang says.
No part of the body operates in a vacuum. "While a causal relationship has not been conclusively established, research suggests that periodontal disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Rubin says.
Dr. Kosdon explains that chronic gum bleeding could also be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or a side effect of medications like blood thinners.
Related: Wait, Is It Normal to Get a Cold Every Month?
How to Prevent Gums From Bleeding
Your best bet? Make sure you're doing the basics. "The best way to prevent gum bleeding is to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist," Dr. Hoang says. "Floss is the gold standard since toothpicks, mouthwash and water flossers can't get in where the teeth tightly touch together."
While going to the dentist isn't necessarily everyone's idea of a good time, you'll want to visit yours if your gums bleed every time you floss.
"Someone who has consistent gum bleeding should seek a consultation with a gum specialist, also known as a periodontist," Dr. Rubin says. "A periodontist is a dentist who has specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease."
Your regular dentist can give you a referral.
Sources
Floss/Interdental Cleaners. American Dental Association
Dr. Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist with Smiles of NYC
Dr. Jay Rubin, DMD., the director of implantology and clinical professor of dental medicine at Touro College of Dental Medicine
Toothbrushes. American Dental Association
Dr. Alice Hoang, DMD, of Brooklyn Mint Dental
