We all know that we need to floss daily, along with brushing, to keep our teeth in good shape. Are you one of those people that skips the flossing sometimes because it’s annoying or uncomfortable? If so, then you probably have this question on your mind:
“Why does it hurt when I floss my teeth?”
First of all, never stop brushing your teeth. However, if you’re going to start flossing regularly, then you may want to watch for certain things to prevent discomfort. Keep reading for the top reasons it’s a painful experience and what to do about it.
New to Flossing Teeth
If you have never flossed your teeth before, it is not uncommon for flossing to cause some discomfort. This is because your gums are not used to the foreign object, or the floss being inserted in between them.
In addition, you may not be flossing correctly, which can also lead to gum irritation. Once you get used to flossing, the discomfort should subside. If it does not, consult your dentist to ensure you are flossing correctly.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the process by which dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, gradually destroys the hard outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel. When plaque comes into contact with sugar or starch, it produces acid that attacks tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole in the tooth, the cavity.
Flossing benefits include helping remove plaque and prevent tooth decay, but it can also cause pain if the decay has already started. The pain is caused by the pressure of the floss on the tooth, as well as the friction of the floss against the tooth. If the decay is severe, the pain may be intense.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on teeth and gums, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the gums can pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets of bacteria that can be difficult to clean.
If gum disease is present, flossing can also be painful. The inflammation caused by gum disease can make the gums sensitive to the pressure of the floss, and the bacteria can cause the gums to bleed.
If you are experiencing pain when you floss, be sure to see your dentist for gum disease treatment.
Sensitive Teeth
There are a few possible reasons why flossing teeth might hurt if you have sensitive teeth. It could be that the pressure of the floss against your teeth is causing pain, or the floss is irritating your gums. It’s also possible that you are flossing too hard.
If you’re not careful, flossing can damage your gums, which can lead to pain and sensitivity. If you’re experiencing pain when you floss, some flossing tips are to use a gentler touch and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
If the pain persists, talk to a dentist like the ones at queensmedicalcenter.ae about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Knowing Why Does It Hurt When I Floss
Flossing is an important part of oral care, but sometimes it can be painful. These are a few reasons why this might be the case. It’s useful to know the answer to the question, “why does it hurt when I floss?”.
If you are experiencing pain when you floss, be sure to consult your dentist to rule out any other causes.
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