Why You’re Bleeding When You Floss

And why inflammation in your mouth might be telling you something about your whole body (especially if you’re like me and live with endo)

Let’s just say it—bleeding gums are not a personality trait.

No judgment here—only care. If flossing only happens when there’s spinach caught between your teeth, you’re not alone. But your gums have been trying to tell you something. And I think it’s time we listen.

Bleeding when you floss is one of the most common things I see in the hygiene chair. And while it might seem like a harmless “oops,” it’s often the first whisper of inflammation in your body.
The thing is—if you’re like me, and living with something like endometriosis (or any chronic condition that feeds on inflammation)… those whispers matter.

So let’s break it down: why it’s happening, why it matters, and what it could be saying about your whole body—not just your gums.

Okay, but why are your gums bleeding?

The truth? Your mouth is a bacterial hotspot. When plaque builds up and hangs out too long, your body triggers an immune response.
That means inflammation.
That means gingivitis.
And that means… bleeding.

It’s not about brushing harder. It’s about consistency and calm.
The good news? Gingivitis is 100% reversible. But you have to actually commit to daily home care—not just floss the night before your cleaning and hope I won’t notice.
(Spoiler: I always notice.)

The Plot Thickens—What Happens If You Ignore It?

If you ignore bleeding gums, it can lead to:

Periodontitis (chronic gum disease = bone loss, gum recession, $$$ treatment)
Higher risk of heart disease and diabetes
Increased systemic inflammation throughout the body
And yeah… links to hormonal imbalance and reproductive health

Yup. Your gums are out here wearing red flags—and not just literally.

From the Gums to the Gut: Let’s Talk Endo

Here’s where it gets personal. I live with endometriosis—and if you do too, you know it’s more than just a bad period.

It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your entire system—from your hormones to your digestion to your energy. Guess what else it affects?
Your oral health.

When my endo flares, I’m more sensitive to pain, inflammation, and fatigue. On those low-energy days, brushing and flossing can feel like an Olympic event.
But those are actually the days I need it most—because inflammation doesn’t just show up in the uterus and call it a day. It’s systemic.

Your gums are in the chat too.

What Helps (When You’re Tired, Achy, and Just Over It)

Here’s what I recommend to my patients—and what I do myself on the days my body feels like it’s short-circuiting:

Oral Health Habits:

Floss daily (even if it’s one quadrant at a time)
Use a soft toothbrush and go easy—think gentle, not aggressive
Salt water rinses help soothe the gums
Tongue scraping reduces bacteria load

Anti-Inflammatory Endo Habits:

Snack on berries, walnuts, and avocado (see my Healing Snack Companion)
Sip turmeric tea or warm lemon water
Hydrate like you mean it
Don’t skip your self-care oral routine—even when everything hurts

Final Thoughts (And a Gentle Call-Out)

If your gums are bleeding… your body is talking. If your endo is flaring… your body is begging for calm.
You don’t have to do it all at once.
Just don’t ignore the signals.

As a hygienist and someone managing endo, I promise—small routines lead to big relief.
If no one’s told you this today:
You deserve to feel better.

You are not gross. You are not lazy.
You’re just tired. And this tired girl flossed today.
So can you.

Need a place to start?

Here are my go-to oral-care faves I use and recommend to my patients (and myself):

Floss + Brushes
• Waxed Floss (simple, smooth, no-frills)
• Cocofloss (thicker, antimicrobial, pulls more plaque)
• Cocofloss Manual Toothbrush – Soft Bristles
• Curaprox Manual Toothbrush – Gentle Bristles

⚡ Electric Brushes
• Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush
• Philips Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush

Mouth Rinse I Actually Like
• CloSYS Gum Health Rinse (gentle + non-irritating)

Tongue Cleaning (Don’t Skip This!)
• Copper Tongue Scraper – Because Bad Breath Isn’t Cute

Want something cute to remember it all?

I made you a free blush pink printable with the 10 most important truths about oral inflammation—clear, comforting, and 100% Bryan-approved.

Click here to download the free printable.

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