My gums are sore after flossing

Sore gums after flossing often reflect irritated tissue or plaque between teeth, but persistent bleeding needs a dental check.

The soreness may come from inflamed gingiva, a tight contact, trapped food, or flossing with excessive pressure. If one site is repeatedly tender, a filling edge, calculus deposit, or localized gum pocket may be irritating it.

Use clean floss or an interdental brush gently, curve it around each tooth, and slide below the gum edge without snapping it. Continue careful plaque removal, rinse with water, and avoid digging into the sore area with sharp objects.

Arrange a dental examination if soreness lasts, returns in the same place, or comes with persistent bleeding, swelling, pus, bad taste, loose teeth, or increasing pain. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether the gum is inflamed, injured, or affected by calculus, a cavity, or a restoration. Also ask which floss or interdental brush size fits each contact and whether a pocket measurement or dental x-ray is needed.