Gum Health in Seattle: If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease / September 14, 2018 by backup

This is a vital question occasionally asked by patients at Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly—not leave them alone. It is almost impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to detrimental gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding ordinarily stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Washington and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease.

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could affect gum health in Seattle and eventually result in gum disease. The good news is that, unlike cavities, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

Some men and women find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever process you choose to maintain your gum health in Seattle, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still see bleeding? Call Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry at 206-381-3055 to schedule a consultation. Brian McKay, DDS, will carry out an extensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding. At Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, our goal is to help patients preserve dental and gum health in Seattle. Schedule an appointment with our Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry child-friendly team. We offer technologically-advanced cosmetic dental services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment.