Your Gums Shouldn't Bleed From Flossing

If your gums bleed when you floss, your first instinct is probably to stop. That makes sense. But the real question is: Why are they bleeding?

Sometimes it's inflammation. When plaque sits along the gumline for too long, your gums become swollen and sensitive. In that case, gentle and consistent flossing actually helps. Most people see improvement within a couple of weeks.

But there's another reason that doesn't get talked about enough: the floss itself. A material that's too thick or too stiff for your teeth can scrape against soft tissue, even if your gums are perfectly healthy.

That's an important distinction. Bleeding from inflammation means you need to keep going, gently. Bleeding because the floss is too harsh means you need a different tool.

If your gums bleed every single time regardless of pressure or technique, the material matters more than you think.

Don't let the wrong tool convince you that flossing isn't for you. It is. You just haven't found the right fit yet!