Have you ever had blood appearing during what you would consider to be a fairly normal aspect of dental hygiene? It can be a tad unsettling, and yet there's probably a straightforward reason which isn't all that serious. Do your gums bleed after flossing? It could happen due to a fairly minor dental problem (which certainly needs to be seen to), or it might be that your flossing habits aren't the most appropriate for your particular mouth.
Could It Be Gingivitis?
If you regularly notice a small amount of blood after you floss, it might be that you're experiencing the initial signs of gingivitis, wherein your gingival sulcus has become infected. This inflammation can result in bleeding when pressure is applied (such as the pressure of your dental floss). You might also notice it after brushing, although this is not always as easy to spot since you rinse and spit directly afterwards, thus removing the blood as well. Prior to rinsing, you might wish to inspect your gums in the mirror to see if there's any bleeding. This warrants a visit to the dentist as soon as possible, since unchecked gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of periodontal disease. But what about when your gums and teeth are in perfect health, and yet flossing still causes bleeding?
Could It Be Your Dental Floss?
It can be that your gums are simply more sensitive than most, so that even a moderate amount of pressure can cause bleeding. Does this mean that you should refrain from flossing? Not at all. It just means that you're going to need to alter your approach. How do you choose your floss? If the type of floss that ends up in your supermarket trolley varies depending on price and availability, it might be helpful to develop a brand loyalty. Keep an eye out for the types of flosses that are marketed as being designed for sensitive gums. The manufacturing process is different, resulting in a durable floss that is woven from multiple strands to be softer than its traditional counterparts. In addition to floss, there are a few different items that can do the same job.
Though interdental brushes are more usually used to clean between orthodontics and dental prosthetics, they can also be used on regular teeth. The brush is small enough to be fed between your teeth. Opt for a soft-bristled version, as this allows you to precisely clean between each tooth with the utmost of sensitivity.
A water flosser is also a great choice. There are many types available, but they all use the same general principle. A jet of water shoots out from the nozzle, blasting debris that have been lodged between your teeth. It might sound extreme, but the overall process is designed to be gentle.
So while experimenting with a few different brands of floss (or products that do the same job) can fix the issue, it's also important that you rule out gingivitis.
Share27 July 2018
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
