Flossing is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. It’s a must for your oral hygiene. Bear in mind that brushing alone won’t thoroughly clean your teeth’s surface. If you are saying “My gums hurt when I floss”, keep reading.
Sensitivity and seeing blood are usually not signs of a severe problem. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contact your our office to inquire about the issue. If you still experience gum pain or see blood after flossing for several times, you could be flossing incorrectly. You could be pushing the floss excessively below the gum’s margin causing trauma to the gum tissue.
Gingivitis
Seeing blood while flossing may also indicate that you have gingivitis. This usually arises if you haven’t been flossing for a very long time. Bacteria has already accumulated on your teeth causing your gums to inflame. As a result, you have swollen, bleeding gums. You’ll also experience extreme sensitivity.
But the only way to find out whether or not you have such gum condition is to consult Nicholas St. George, DDS. He’s can help you tackle this oral condition. He can help you reverse and properly heal your gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen. Sooner or later, you’re going to lose your tooth.
When to See a Specialist?
You must see us right away if you continue to see blood each time you floss. You should also call us if your gums always bleed when you brush your teeth.
It’s you see formation of pockets between your teeth and gums, give us a call. Persistent bad breath or having bad taste in the mouth may also indicate gingivitis.
When gingivitis is not treated immediately, it can lead to periodontitis. It’s a severe condition of gingivitis that weakens the gums and bone that’s holding your teeth.
It’s true that flossing can sometimes be discouraging, especially when you see blood in the floss or experience gum pain. However, it should not discourage you not to continue this habit. You cannot underestimate the benefits of flossing as it can help get rid of the plaque that’s obviously hard-to-reach.
After your examination and if Dr. St. George thinks that you don’t have gingivitis, it’s not a reason for you not to floss. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you continue flossing to prevent sore gums.
When you come to our office, we’re going to teach you the proper way of flossing in a way that you won’t experience gum pain afterwards. Flossing can take a lot of time to master it but once you make it a habit, it’ll be come a lot easier for you to floss.
Call us today for consultation about your gum pain or to know whether or not you have gingivitis.