How to Floss Gently When Your Gums Bleed
dentalhealth
Bleeding when you start flossing is common. Here is a step-by-step way to floss gently, what to expect in the first couple of weeks, and when to check in with a dentist.
If you have just started flossing and notice pink on the string, you are not alone. Gums that have been inflamed by plaque often bleed when cleaned, so the first week or two can look a little messy. With a gentle technique, many people find the bleeding settles as their gums become healthier.
What you will need
- Floss or soft interdental picks you find comfortable
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A mirror and a few unhurried minutes
Step-by-step: gentle flossing
- Take about 40 cm of floss and wind most of it around one middle finger, with the rest around the other.
- Guide the floss between two teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping it down onto the gum.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it just below the gumline.
- Move it up and down along the side of the tooth, then repeat on the neighbouring tooth.
- Use a clean section of floss as you move through your mouth.
- Finish by rinsing with water and brushing gently with a soft brush.
What to expect
Light bleeding in the first one to two weeks of a new routine is common. Doing it once a day, consistently, matters more than doing it hard. If the bleeding is heavy, painful, or continues past two weeks, it is a good idea to book a check-up so we can look for tartar below the gumline.
Tips if flossing is tricky
- Try floss picks or small interdental brushes if string floss is hard to handle.
- Let your dentist or hygienist show you the technique at your next visit.
- Mention any medications you take, including blood thinners.
New to our practice? See our new patient information, or read more about why gums bleed. Our hygienists are happy to show you what works best for your teeth.
Call 604-535-8835 to book a cleaning at our South Surrey office, 2245 160 Street, Unit 40.