What Causes Bleeding Gums When Flossing?

Oh, no. You just spat blood into the sink after flossing. Why does this keep happening? You might think you’ve hurt your gum and you might need to stop flossing for a while, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth.

Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, before even cavities. Fortunately, if your gums bleeding is the only sign so far, you have time to reverse this disease and restore health to your gums.

Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili, a general dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, can help you get a dental implant — but she’d rather you didn’t need one at all. At-home oral hygiene plus regular dental cleanings is preferable, helping you prevent gum disease and tooth loss altogether.  

Why bleeding gums after flossing are a bad sign  

The soft tissue that covers the roots of your teeth create a seal that keeps bacteria out, preventing infection and cavities. Healthy gums are naturally pink, and shouldn’t bleed when you brush or floss.

If you notice that you’re spitting blood into your sink, or your dentist tells you your gums are bleeding during your dental cleaning, there’s something wrong. That something is usually gum disease.  

Stages of gum disease

The first stage of gum disease is when your gums first start to bleed when you floss. They may also look a little red or puffy. This stage is called gingivitis, and it’s the best time to turn things around.

The next stage of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is periodontitis. You’ll see your gums get redder, you’ll spit more blood after flossing, and your gums may start to recede up your teeth.

If gum disease is left untreated, you’ll end up with advanced periodontitis. At this stage, pockets form between the gums and your teeth. These pockets are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Infection can even reach down past the gums into the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. The result is loosened teeth, which will eventually fall out completely. This destabilizes your whole arch of teeth, and starts a cascade of tooth loss.

Turning the tables on gum disease

The key to arresting the advance of gingivitis and preventing your gums from becoming more diseased is proper oral care. This includes brushing regularly with a soft brush, flossing the right way, and visiting your dentist twice a year for a complete cleaning. 

Are you ready to update your oral hygiene routine? Call us today at 703-213-5312, or book a consultation online.