When I Floss, Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Patients in Van Nuys often come into dentists’ offices asking, “Why do my gums start to bleed whenever I floss?” Everybody has a different answer. Gum bleeding after flossing can occur for many reasons, ranging from small to severe. Do not assume that everything is well merely because your gums are bleeding. To get your teeth and gums examined, arrange a visit with Van Nuys dental.

Why Do Gums Bleed?

There are a number of reasons for bleeding gums, and the reason why your gums bleed while you floss relies on a number of factors. What is the length of the bleeding? Have you made any dietary or drug changes? Are you experiencing symptoms of a disease? Are you going through a hormonal transformation right now?

A thorough dental examination is the first step towards identifying the cause of your gum bleeding. To determine whether you have one of the most common reasons for bleeding gums, the dentist may ask you a number of questions.

1. A Normal Response to a New Flossing Practice

Gum bleeding may occur if you have never flossed your gums before or if you have stopped flossing for a while and then resumed. Usually, flossing makes the gums more potent and less capable of bleeding, but if you fail to do it, the gums may become swollen and more prone to bleeding.

For the next seven days, keep flossing every day to check if your gums stop bleeding or continue to do so. A fresh flossing regimen might have been the cause if the bleeding stopped. But even if your gum bleeding stops, you should always mention it. Since a new flossing routine might not always be the cause, gum bleeding is a vital indication that your dentist should be aware of.

      2.Periodontitis or gingivitis

Even if your gums do not bleed after you start flossing, you should still see your dentist due to the possibility of gingivitis or periodontitis. Both types of gum disease can occur when plaque and tartar build near the gum line and infect the gums. Gum disease can result from not flossing.

When brushing or flossing, gingivitis usually only results in tiny redness and sporadic bleeding. Too many people disregard it, yet if gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. The disease forms pockets around the gum line in this later stage, which harbor germs and exacerbate the infection. Eventually, periodontitis results in tooth and bone loss.

       3. Poor nutrition

Your diet may contain enough imbalanced elements to result in nutritional deficits even if you eat sufficient calories to feel satisfied. Gum bleeding may result from a deficiency in either vitamin C or K. While the latter clots the blood, the former protects your teeth and gums.

You can prevent nutritional deficits by consuming a varied diet that involves lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Before making significant dietary changes, see your physician or dietitian for more information regarding your specific health and nutritional requirements.

        4. Hormonal Changes

Growth is not the sole factor that hormones can affect. Gum bleeding may be more familiar with significant hormonal changes. The following are some of the most common situations when people may be more prone to gum bleeding:

• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Puberty
• Menstruation
• Using hormonal birth control

Progesterone, which increases the flow of blood throughout the body, especially to the gums, is the source of gum bleeding.

How Do Dentists Treat Gum Bleeding?

Gum bleeding can be avoided and treated by dentists. When bacteria infect the gums, it results in gum disease, which is defined by bleeding and swelling.

You might need periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing if you have periodontitis or gingivitis in order to get rid of the microbes and let your gums heal. By removing the tartar and plaque that lead to gum disease during routine preventive cleanings, dentists can help stop gum bleeding.