No matter how often you’re brushing your teeth, you’re essentially only cleaning half of your mouth if you’re not flossing. Regularly flossing everyday will help the gum tissue become more resilient, which also prevents your gums from bleeding when you when you do happen to floss. In fact, only about 40% of Americans report to floss every day, which can explain the prevalent experience of bleeding gums. However, there are many additional reasons besides infrequent flossing which can explain bleeding gums.

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Common Reasons Why Gums Bleed When Flossing

It can be nerve-wracking to notice bleeding gums after flossing, although this isn’t always a sign of serious trouble. Bleeding gums have a lot of causes that range from not a big deal to conditions that seriously need to be inspected by your dentist. The following are common reasons as to why your gums may bleed when flossing:

• Periodontal Disease: Being the most common reason why gums bleed, bacterial plaque can get caught beneath the gum tissue which leads to inflammation. Reversible in its early stages, advanced periodontal disease deteriorates the strength of your teeth and gums. Click here to read more about periodontal disease.
• Hormonal Imbalances Affecting Blood: People who have, or begin experiencing, certain hormonal changes can sustain blood thinning, which makes it more likely for your gums to bleed. Additionally, people who have clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, may also notice bleeding more often when they floss.
• Nutritional Deficiency: A lack of essential vitamins can cause gums to bleed from flossing. Deficiency in vitamin C and K, specifically, has been reported to lead to gum bleeding.
• Aggressive Flossing: Scraping and pushing too hard against the gums can result in small wounds which bleed.
• Mediocre Flossing Appliances: Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth, however, flossing with subpar equipment can actually hurt more than help. That’s why GumChucks is here to help individuals avoid bleeding gums with our unique new design. GumChucks’ design ensures a flossing experience that’s faster, easier, and more effective than competing flossers or traditional floss. Our two handles with disposable floss allow you to comfortably reach all your teeth, even those in the back while wrapping the floss gently around each tooth. This creates the vital “C-Shape” necessary to get below the gum line and effectively clean each tooth.

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How to Aid Bleeding Gums

We’ve now established that the primary way to prevent bleeding gums is to floss properly. For those who are currently experiencing bleeding gums, here are some simple methods to stop the bleeding:

• Apply an Ice Compress: A cold ice compress helps reduce swelling and blood flow, which will stop the bleeding. Hold the ice compress to your cheek on the bleeding side for roughly 15-20 minutes.
• Gargle with Warm Salt Water: Swishing warm salt water around your mouth helps reduce bacteria on the teeth, as well as provides additional benefits to your oral health.
• Consume Less Sugar & Eat Healthy: Eating processed sugar in unhealthy foods can lead to gum disease and bleeding gums.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking can lead to gum disease, which leads to sensitive gums.
• GumChucks: As mentioned above, GumChucks is a revolutionary new way to floss that ensures you’re flossing correctly.
• Visit Your Dentist: You should see your dentist as soon as you notice oral pain, swelling, loose teeth, or an increased case of bleeding gums.

Most people experience occasional gum bleeding from time to time, and many of these cases don’t lead to significant health issues. Bleeding gums can be a sign of both serious, and not so serious, medical issues. It’s best to visit your dental professional and assess what needs to be done to resolve your bleeding gums.

GUMCHUCKS MAKES FLOSSING FUN, FAST, AND EASY!

Click here to get started with GumChucks today!