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Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

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Time to read 4 min

Flossing is one of the most important parts of your oral hygiene routine, but have you ever noticed bleeding from your gum afterwards? The bleeding can happen due to several reasons such as using the wrong flossing techniques or neglecting your daily dental care routine.


In this blog we'll take a closer look at the causes and reasons behind gum bleeding and explain how you can prevent it from happening.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss? 


Although bleeding  after flossing your teeth is common, have you ever wondered what the root cause was or what should you do if your gums bleed when flossing? There are  several causes for bleeding in gums  after flossing that we'll discuss here:


Poor Oral Hygiene

Gum bleeding can happen due to poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush regularly or floss your teeth, then plaque and bacteria can build up on your gums and teeth and cause sensitivity and inflammation which will lead your gums to bleeding.

autoimmune disease
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Gum Disease

Gum Disease, which is referred to as periodontal disease, is a serious dental condition which can cause gum bleeding. This disease can be caused by bacteria which can build up in your mouth and infect your gums and other tissues that are supporting your teeth.


Medications

Medications like blood thinners can be a cause for gums bleeding so if you are taking any medications and your gums bleed after flossing, consult your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.


Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can also cause gum bleeding. The changes that occur during puberty and pregnancy can cause the increase of flow to your gums which make them more sensitive and prone to bleeding.


Brushing Too Hard

Using a hard-bristled brush can also be a cause for gum bleeding. It's always recommended to use a soft-bristled brush and to brush your teeth gently to avoid gum bleeding.

bleeding gums
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bleeding gums
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What is the Proper Technique for Flossing Teeth?


Flossing your teeth shouldn't be painful or cause bleeding, however, you could experience gum bleeding due to using the wrong technique. Here are the steps to properly floss your teeth:


  • First, take a floss piece around 20 inches long and wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers on both hands.
  • Then, tightly hold the floss between your forefingers and thumbs and insert the floss gently between your teeth.
  • Next, make a curve with the floss like the letter 'C' and then slide the floss up and down gently, making sure to clean both sides.
  • Then take a clean section of floss and use it to floss each tooth and the gum lines.
  • Make sure to floss your teeth from behind by using a back-and-forth motion.
  • After you finish flossing your teeth, use water to rinse your mouth to remove any debris.

Should I Floss or Brush First?


Should I Floss or Brush First?

It's recommended to brush first before flossing because brushing first can help remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your teeth which can make it easier for floss to reach.


Flossing Wrap Up 

You can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay by going regularly to your dentist, flossing and by brushing correctly, but you can also help prevent bleeding of the gums by maintaining your oral hygiene with our products as well. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Effective bad breath remedies include:

Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue

Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing

Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal

The ongoing use of oral probiotics.

How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath

One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”

Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.

How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?

  • First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
  • Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
  • Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
  • Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
  • Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.

How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?

  • First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
  • Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
  • Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
  • Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss

Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.