Good oral health isn’t just about brushing your teeth twice a day… a solid dental hygiene regime should always involve flossing at least once a day so you can look after your gums as well as your teeth.

Some people are more prone to plaque buildup, inflammation and gingivitis, unfortunately, so if you do land in this camp you’d be wise to be particularly vigilant to keep dental problems at bay.

However, even if you are diligent with your flossing, it’s possible that you may still experience warning signs of a burgeoning problem, with bleeding gums the biggest indicator that you have an issue that needs to be addressed.

There are many reasons why you might experience bleeding even with daily flossing. These include:

Poor flossing technique

Make sure that you’re gentle in your approach to flossing. It should never be painful. Just guide the floss between your teeth and under the gum line, getting into all the tight spaces but without forcing it.

Hormonal changes

It’s possible that you may experience bleeding from the gums because of fluctuations in your hormones, such as during pregnancy or the menopause.

New toothbrush

If you’ve just bought a new toothbrush, the bristles are likely to be quite stiff and harsh, and this can cause bleeding if you’re not careful. Again, just be gentle in your approach until the brush is broken in.

Poor diet

Another potential underlying cause of bleeding gums is your diet and vitamin deficiencies can cause irritation and inflammation, as can certain ingredients commonly found in processed and sugary food. It might be worth making a few dietary changes here and there to see if it has a beneficial effect on your oral health.

As ever, if you’re worried about your teeth or your gums, it’s advisable to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss any concerns you might have.