Why Does It Hurt When I Floss?

Flossing is not just highly recommended by dentists; it’s an essential activity that can pull out the plaque and bacteria that can’t be reached with a toothbrush or mouthwash. Of course, it’s also one of the more heavily skipped activities, whether it’s because it’s inconvenient or, in some cases, painful. Here, we’ll look at why flossing might hurt, and what you can do about it.

Pain While Flossing

Pain when flossing in Westwood, KS can generally be traced back to the following:

• Gum inflammation: Whether from infection or just general irritation, inflammation can cause your gums to be sensitive to floss.
• Cavities: Any decaying portion of a tooth can interfere with the flow of the floss and potentially impact either the gums or the tooth.
• Sensitivity: The less enamel you have, the more likely you are to experience sensitivity when flossing.
• Floss type: If the floss is too thick and your teeth are too crunched together, it can cause you to put undue force on the mouth as you work the thread in and out of each crevice.

Tips for Easier Flossing

Sometimes, the best way to reduce pain is to floss more. You might also look into alternative measures, like water flossers, if you have trouble reaching your very back teeth.This doesn’t just help you get better at technique, it clears out the bacteria that causes the inflammation and cavities in the first place. However, in some cases, you’ll need to see a dentist in Westwood, KS, either to treat gum disease, fill cavities, or just make recommendations on fixing your flossing technique. At NKC Dental, we help our patients get a handle on their dental hygiene, so they can enjoy better oral health.