If you often see a little pink in the sink when flossing your teeth, you may have gotten used to the bleeding and think it’s no big deal. The reality is, if your gums are always bleeding then it’s something you need to address. Bleeding gums are a sign that something is going on while healthy gums shouldn’t bleed.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent your gums from bleeding while flossing:
Floss More
It may seem counterintuitive to keep flossing if your gums bleed every time you do, but it can help. Your gums can bleed when plaque has been left to build-up underneath the tissue, and when you floss more frequently, you’re doing your part to get rid of that plaque.
When you floss, make sure you’re using the proper technique by gliding the thread around the sides of the tooth and underneath the gum line. In other words, don’t just loosen up any food that may be stuck in the gap between your teeth. After a few days of regular, proper flossing, you should see a decrease in how much your gums bleed.
Add a Rinse
Along with your regular brushing and flossing, consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine. This is just another step to clean away bad bacteria and debris from your gums that you might have missed during your cleaning. If you find that mouthwash is a little too harsh for you, you can also use a simple saltwater rinse.
Visit the Dentist
If your gums are bleeding, visit your dentist so they can make sure that you aren’t dealing with gum disease. The sooner you catch gum disease, the better. Depending on how severe your gum disease is, they can provide a number of treatment options, including a deep cleaning. Your dentist will also be able to give you tips on brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you aren’t brushing too hard or flossing incorrectly.
Need help managing your bleeding gums? Give us a call at Gary Johnson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry! We provide gum disease treatment from our dental practice, and we’re happy to help you.