Not sure if flossing is necessary after brushing? Perhaps you are worried about the area bleeding after flossing, or maybe you just forget. Whichever your reason may be, flossing is key to our dental health.

Brushing twice and a day correctly and flossing at least once a day can make a huge impact to our health. It’s something we have to train ourselves to get into the habit of doing so it becomes routine.

Bleeding after brushing and flossing can be a sign of a number of things, one is Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Gingivitis is predominantly caused by bacteria sitting around the gums causing swelling, inflammation, tenderness and more. If you see blood when you spit out in the sink, don’t be alarmed. Instead, continue flossing daily to help remove plaque and bacteria and you may even notice the bleeding will lessen or stop over time.

If you notice bleeding after brushing and flossing, it is important to discuss this with your dental health professional at your regular preventative appointments. Plaque is a thin mixture of saliva and bacteria that stick to our teeth that build up throughout the day.

Without flossing, this plaque becomes tartar which is a hardening of this mixture that can only be removed with a professional clean.

This tartar can irritate and inflame the gums, causing gum recession and creating a gap between the gum and the tooth that can lead to an infection.

This stage is called periodontal disease that is associated with bone and tissue destruction, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and even loss.

In between routine dental check up and cleans, it is important to maintain a good brushing and flossing routine to help combat tartar build up, tooth decay and gum disease.

This year, make it your goal to stay on top of your dental hygiene and have a happy, healthy smile.