We are big fans of the old saying, prevention is better than cure, and we often speak to clients about brushing and flossing. Flossing should be an integral part of your daily oral hygiene regime; it is a really effective means of reducing your risk of oral health problems.

The importance of flossing

Many people assume that if they brush their teeth twice a day as recommended, they will be fine; however, we strongly advise our patients to floss on a regular basis as well. Flossing is really important because it removes bacteria and food debris from parts of your mouth that can’t be cleaned with a toothbrush and this helps to prevent the formation of plaque. It’s important to take steps to prevent plaque development because plaque is the main risk factor for dental decay and gum disease. This sticky film contains harmful bacteria, which erode the enamel and irritate the gums.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I floss?

If you are flossing for the first time, you may notice a small amount of bleeding; however, it is not normal for the gums to bleed when you floss and if your gums bleed on a regular basis, you notice bleeding when you brush your teeth or your gums start bleeding out of the blue when you have been flossing for a long time, it’s advisable to see your dentist.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and it’s best to treat gum disease as early as possible, as it gets worse with time and may eventually cause the teeth to come loose and fall out.

Other symptoms of gum disease include swelling, soreness and tenderness in the gums.