Not all gums bleed after flossing. If yours do, it may be an indication to floss more often.
Causes of Gum Bleeding
Post-flossing, your gums may bleed because of:
- Underlying medical concerns
- Plaque build-up
- Tartar
Also read: The Importance of Flossing
How to Keep Gums from Bleeding After Flossing
1. Keep on Flossing Regularly
It’s normal for gums to bleed if you’ve never flossed before. It may be due to gum inflammation caused by food getting stuck in between teeth and along the gumline.
Keep flossing, and the bleeding should stop within 1-2 weeks. Stopping will only cause more inflammation and tenderness, bringing about gum disease.
2. Rinse-Off Bacteria
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and gargle salt water. Sometimes, it’s leftover bacteria in the oral cavity that causes gums to be swollen. Dentists may also suggest using specific mouthwashes for a short term period but best to get their advice before buying any off the shelf.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
Make sure to include foods rich in vitamins C and K in your diet to support teeth and gum health. Examples are:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Fish
- Orange
- Strawberry
- Kiwi
- Yellow, red, or green pepper
- Sweet potato
How to Floss
- Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
- Wind each end around your middle fingers leaving about two inches to work with.
- Hold the floss with your thumbs and forefingers and thumbs as you thread between teeth.
- Gently glide the floss at the side of a tooth, moving up then away from the gumline. Be careful not to scrape gum off and be sure to reach areas where your toothbrush cannot.
- The middle section of the floss will get dirty as you clean in between your teeth and gums. Just unwind from one finger for a clean section.
Read more: Is flossing really necessary?
Visit Rockingham Dental Today
If flossing doesn’t solve your teeth or gum problems, it’s time to see the dentist. At Rockingham Dental Centre, we specialise in a wide range of dental services, including:
- Hygiene and preventive care
- Emergency dental
- Root canal therapy
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Oral surgery and treatment sedation
- Crowns, bridges, implants
- Mouth and night guards
- Cosmetic dentistry
