Vandervoort Family Dentistry
William M. Vandervoort and Jordan L. Smith

My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop flossing?

Sometimes it isn’t easy to find the time to floss your teeth every day. At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, we understand how busy you are; that’s why we strive to work with you to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

And if your gums bleed when you floss, we encourage you to contact our office right away!

My Gums Bleed When I Floss: Should I Stop Flossing?

No, you should NOT stop flossing if you notice that your gums are bleeding. You could have inflammation or be flossing incorrectly.

Here’s why your gums bleed and what you should do:

  1. Plaque buildup — When plaque builds up on your gums, flossing may cause your gums to bleed.
  2. Gingivitis — When you have gum disease, your gums may be red and swollen, causing them to bleed when you floss.
  3. Technique — When you floss too forcefully or incorrectly, your gums might bleed, even if you don’t have plaque buildup or gingivitis. Always curve your floss around each tooth in a “C” shape.

Need Quality Dentistry in Tuscaloosa, AL?

When you need quality dental care, our caring team is ready to take your call! Our goal is to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve, so we provide helpful tips on brushing and flossing.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation or appointment for you and your family, please reach out to us at (205) 345-7755.

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