My Gums Bleed When I Floss! What Should I Do?

bloody toothbrush in the sink after flossing bloody gums

When you floss, do you see or taste blood? That’s a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a very common condition, but usually very easily reversed with the proper care. Here’s what you should do:


Make an Appointment with Dr. Laird

Bleeding gums usually mean gum disease, but only a dentist can officially diagnose you. At your appointment, we’ll see how severe the gum disease is, perform a cleaning, and offer recommendations. If the disease is advanced, we might need to do a deep cleaning.


Improve Your Oral Health Routine

Gum disease has a few causes, but the most common is poor oral hygiene. In most cases, you can reverse gum disease at home by improving your brushing and flossing. Set a timer so you’re sure to brush at least two minutes twice a day. Keep flossing. Soon your gums will stop bleeding.


Consider What Might Be Aggravating the Gum Disease

As we mentioned, gum disease is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, but other habits can contribute. Smoking is the most significant risk factor. According to research, smokers are twice as likely to get gum disease compared to non-smokers. Diabetes and certain medications can also increase your risk, so consider how those might be playing a role.


Heal Your Gum Disease at Ashley Laird DDS in Tyler, Texas

At our Tyler office, we know how to prevent and treat gum disease. If this condition isn’t treated, there can be serious health consequences like tooth and bone loss. We want every patient to avoid that ordeal! When you come in for regular appointments, we’ll always look for signs of gum disease so we can catch it as early as possible. If you have any questions about bleeding gums or you’re experiencing bleeding, please contact us today!


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