How Long Do You Have to Floss to Stop Bleeding?
Flossing is an essential step in your oral care routine, but sometimes it can come with bleeding gums. However, this isn’t a reason to be alarmed and doesn’t mean you should stop flossing. It actually indicates that you should be flossing more.
Even though bleeding gums from flossing don’t always indicate a concern, we know how uncomfortable it can be. Luckily, consistent flossing can stop bleeding gums in no time. At Sandcreek Dental, we want to help improve your oral health and ensure your teeth and gums are well cared for. This blog will discuss why flossing can cause bleeding gums, how long you should expect them to stop bleeding, and best practices to avoid bleeding gums in the future.
Why Your Gums Could Bleed From Flossing
Your gums can bleed after you floss for many different reasons. Your gum tissue may not be used to regular flossing and become inflamed, or there could be an underlying cause that needs to be taken care of.
Your gums could simply become irritated from inconsistent flossing. When you don’t floss regularly, plaque and bacteria build in between the teeth and cause your gums to be more sensitive, leading to bleeding when you choose to floss after a while. The good news is that the irritation and bleeding should subside quickly after consistently flossing.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, there may be one of the following underlying problems occurring:
- Gingivitis/Gum Disease: When plaque builds up on your gumline, it can become gingivitis if not taken care of. The plaque can turn into tartar and become harder to remove if you do not brush or floss properly.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations you experience during pregnancy or menopause can cause the gums to be more sensitive during that time.
- Blood Thinning Medications: If you are taking a medication that thins your blood, such as aspirin, you could be more susceptible to bleeding gums.
- Other Health Conditions: Health conditions such as leukemia, diabetes, or vitamin K deficiency can make you more prone to sensitive or bleeding gums.
Consider if there could be an external reason causing your gums to bleed. If you are concerned about developing gingivitis, visit Sandcreek Dental and we can lead you in the right direction. If your gums are simply sensitive from brushing hard or are new to flossing, here’s what you can expect.
When to Expect Bleeding to Stop
When you develop a consistent and regular flossing routine, your gums will become stronger and bleeding will subside relatively fast.
It will usually take around a week for your gums to become used to flossing and stop bleeding if you are doing it every day. After a few days, they will continually bleed less and should fully stop by day ten. If it has been two weeks and you haven’t seen any improvement, visit your dentist or a periodontist to get the specific treatment that you need.
Preventative Measures
To prevent bleeding gums from happening in the first place or from happening again, practice these tips at home.
- Floss at least once a day to keep your gums strong and less sensitive
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating the gums
- Brush your teeth twice a day, focusing on the tooth rather than the gums
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash for extra protection
- Limit foods high in sugar
- Keep up with regular dental checkups to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, you are not alone. Many people go through this and fortunately, there is a simple solution. At Sandcreek Dental, we can take a look at your oral health and figure out if there is an underlying issue or simply introduce more flossing into your routine. If you start and maintain a good flossing routine, your gums will get back to optimal health in no time. Contact us today to achieve those oral health goals!
