The most common reason people stop flossing is that their gums bleed when they do it. That is exactly backwards.
Bleeding means inflammation, not injury
Healthy gums do not bleed when floss slides between the teeth. Bleeding means plaque has been sitting at the gumline long enough to inflame the tissue and make it fragile. Floss is simply reaching the spot a toothbrush misses and revealing the problem.
What happens if you keep flossing
If the inflammation is only gingivitis, daily flossing removes the plaque and the gum heals. Most people see bleeding reduce within a week and stop within two. If bleeding continues past two weeks of consistent daily flossing, tartar below the gumline is keeping the gum inflamed and only a professional cleaning will remove it.
Other causes worth knowing
- Flossing too aggressively or snapping the floss into the gum
- Pregnancy, which makes gums react more strongly to plaque
- Blood thinners
- Starting to floss after a long break
- Smoking, which can hide bleeding while gum disease progresses
How to floss without hurting your gums
Wrap the floss in a C-shape around the tooth, slide gently below the gumline and move it up and down. Do not saw or snap. If floss is awkward, interdental brushes or a water flosser reach the same areas and many people find them easier.
When to see a hygienist
If bleeding lasts more than two weeks, if gums are swollen or receding, or if you have bad breath that will not go away, book a gum assessment. Bleeding gums caught early are completely reversible. Read more on our bleeding gums page.