Bleeding Gums? Here’s What Your Mouth Is Trying to Tell You

Flossing is a key part of keeping your smile healthy, but if your gums bleed afterward, it’s not something to ignore. While it might seem harmless, even occasional bleeding is a sign of inflammation—your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right.

The good news? Bleeding gums are often reversible with the right care. At Restoration Dentistry, we go beyond the usual “just brush and floss more” advice to uncover the real cause of your gum issues. By taking a holistic, whole-body approach, we create personalized strategies to not only stop the bleeding but also support your long-term oral and overall health.

What Causes  Bleeding Gums When You Floss?

While bleeding gums is a common issue many face, it is an issue we take seriously at Restoration Dentistry. Understanding why your gums bleed will help you to address the root cause so you don’t continue to struggle with this problem.

Here are some of the most common reasons your gums are bleeding while flossing:

• Gum disease: When the harmful bacteria in your oral biofilm outweigh the good bacteria, they can produce toxins that slowly eat away at the bones and gums that support your teeth. As gum disease progresses, it moves deeper and deeper into the pockets of your gums, where more bacteria accumulate.
• Flossing too aggressively: If you’re using too much force or have poor flossing technique, you may be causing minor injuries to your gums. Try using a gentle gliding motion that curves around each tooth to prevent damage to your gum tissue
• Underlying health conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, and autoimmune diseases, can make your gums more prone to bleeding, so it is important to work with  health  care providers to manage these conditions to reduce your risk of bleeding gums
• Medications: Blood thinners and other medications can increase your risk of bleeding during flossing.

If your gums bleed while flossing, it’s vital you schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the root cause of your bleeding and create a treatment plan that manages your specific circumstances.

What Is The Connection Between Bleeding Gums and Overall Health?

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and we firmly believe quality oral health is essential for protecting your overall health. If left untreated, gum disease can have far-reaching effects beyond your smile. The bacteria that generate gum disease can enter into your bloodstream through your bleeding gums and put you at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses.

In addition, gum disease is associated with complications in pregnancy, cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s disease, and immune system dysfunction. This means caring for your gums isn’t just about healthy teeth but safeguarding your entire body. Addressing bleeding gums early can help reduce your risk for these more serious conditions and promote overall well-being.

How Taking a Functional Approach Can Help Heal Your Gum Disease

Rather than just treating the symptoms of bleeding gums, Dr. Clayton takes a functional approach that looks at the root cause and how overall health plays a role in healing. This is done through in-office treatments, saliva testing, products tailored to your specific needs, and addressing the factors that put you at risk for gum inflammation.

In-Office Treatments

At Restoration Dentistry, we are proud to offer Guided Biofilm Therapy that uses air, water, and erythritol powder to gently but thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. The goal is to reset the oral biofilm to get you back to health. This process is especially effective as it uses a disclosing liquid to identify your oral biofilm and make removing plaque and tartar easier and more efficient so you consistently get an effective clean.

Saliva Testing

Saliva testing allows us to test for high-risk bacteria and use your data to make informed decisions about your oral health. These tests also help identify systemic health conditions and the underlying causes of your gum bleeding.

Products

Dr. Clayton and his team can recommend products and treatments that address your specific health needs using your saliva testing results.

Risk Factors

Poor oral hygiene, stress, hormone changes, tobacco use, medications, and diabetes can all put you at an increased risk of gum inflammation. Understanding your risk factors and working with an interdisciplinary team, including your dentist and functional medicine doctor, can help you make the crucial lifestyle changes necessary to reduce your chances of developing gum disease and prevent your gums from bleeding while flossing.

Stop Bleeding Gums and Restore Your Oral Health at Restoration Dentistry

At Restoration Dentistry, we believe in addressing the main cause of your oral health concerns rather than just treating symptoms. Dr. Clayton brings a unique functional approach to dental care, combining advanced technologies like Guided Biofilm Therapy with comprehensive saliva testing to create personalized treatment plans. Our holistic philosophy means we look at how your oral health connects to your overall well-being, helping you achieve lasting results beyond traditional dentistry.

Don’t let bleeding gums compromise your health any longer. Our passionate team is dedicated to providing the education and care you need to restore your oral health and prevent future issues. We’re the only provider of EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy in the Treasure Valley, offering this cutting-edge treatment to patients throughout Idaho. Take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier body by calling (208) 229-1500 or visiting our contact form to schedule your consultation today.