Teeth Hurt After Flossing? Why?
Why do my teeth hurt after flossing? Individuals newly introduced to flossing may experience discomfort or pain. Incorrect techniques or tools often cause discomfort. By flossing gently between the teeth, you can avoid this pain by using the right tools and techniques. This is the flossing technique.
Is it Normal for Gums to Feel Sore After Flossing?
It might be a problem with the way you floss if your gums hurt after flossing. It is possible to cause pain and bleeding along the gum line if you floss with too much pressure. Flossing too rarely can cause pain after flossing.
How Long Does it Take for Flossing to Stop Hurting?
Flossing can be easy once you learn the proper technique. Regular flossing will likely relieve any pain you experience within a week or two.
How to Floss Properly
Flossing correctly can help you avoid toothaches and painful gums.
- The floss should be wound around your middle fingers on both hands for about 18 inches.
- Between the thumbs and forefingers, hold the floss tightly.
- Put it between your teeth by gently inserting it between them.
- Wrap the floss around the tooth with a “C” shape.
- Keep the floss pressed against your teeth by rubbing it up and down.
- To avoid bleeding or damage to your gums, floss under your gum line gently and slowly.
Note:
- Flossing can be painful if you snap or jerk the floss.
- Keep your back teeth clean by flossing behind them.
- Over-flossing sore gums can make them worse.
Does Floss Expire?
There is really no expiration date on dental floss, which is good news. With old dental floss, the only concern is that it may be more prone to fraying or brittleness. It is possible, however, for flavored floss to lose its flavor and become brittle over time.
Teeth Hurt After Flossing Reddit
My Teeth Hurt After Flossing!!
So long story short I took very poor care of my teeth for about 3-4 years… and after an influx of cavaties recently I decided to take control.I had 3 cavaties filled in 2 weeks – I decided to brush my teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouth wash twice a day as well after brushing.
Now… my teeth feel like they have been punched with a fist! They literally hurt! Especially after flossing – I realized I did it wrong for the first 2 weeks I would just go up and down and move on – Now I insert the floss and scrape each side of the tooth with it – and after I did that once – my teeth started to hurt more.
I also brush the gum line with my tooth brush at a 45 degree angle.
I spoke to my dentist today, had the full exam x-ray and gum readings – when the dentist told me the xrays look good – I was in complete and total shock my response was: “You’re kidding?!”
He told me all I need is a cleaning, and 2 fillings – a ‘cavity’ is beginning on one tooth while another filling needs to be fixed because the resin on top of a chipped tooth is beginning to blacken.
How long will my teeth hurt – He said it is from the removing of plaque that my teeth are not used to being clean and they are actually exposed for the first time in years.
I will never be this stupid again – I don’t care how tired I am (a big excuse to get out of cleaning teeth in the past: “Nah I’m in bed already – why get up etc.) – I will get out off the couch/out of bed and do it! first thing in the morning and before bed time.
I want to keep my teeth – I can’t believe I took them for granted.
Sometimes when you start flossing properly (hugging the tooth and removing the plaque from under the gum line) your gums will be irritated because they are not accustomed to anything going under the gum line. After a few days it should feel better, and if you make it a habit you won’t feel anything at all when flossing. You will also start noticing that your gums won’t bleed when you floss consistently for about 7-10 days.
What kind of pain? Sharp or dull / long or short? Does the pain worsen with heat or cold? Does it throb? Does the pain come even when you’re doing nothing?
Sensitivity is normal if you go for a scaling and polishing session when you haven’t been taking care of your teeth for a long time. But pain isn’t normal.
Worst case scenario is that you have trauma from occlusion, due to the calculus acting as a splint. Best case scenario is that the “pain” is just sensitivity.
You may pm me if you need more clarification on the matter.
It’s quite normal after a lengthy period of non flossing for the teeth to be sensitive(as you’ve removed bacteria and plaque that was blamketivbthem), and fir the gums to be tender for awhile(they’ve just been manipulated in a way by the floss that they haven’t had in awhile and all those nerve endings in the tissue make them feel bruised). Just as a bruise on your skin will be tender for awhile, the length of tenderness depending on the size and depth of the bruise, the gums and teeth will feel the same! They will calm but the more you floss the less this side effect. But.. it’s normal.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t stop flossing no matter what the cause of your toothache is. Your teeth are getting used to being properly cleaned, which is why you feel an ache in most cases. Gingivitis is especially susceptible to this. In the absence of proper treatment, it may develop into periodontitis.
Don’t forget to do gentle movements and to consult with your dentist. Ask all the questions that come to mind. In order to maintain a healthy and happy life, it is extremely important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Disclaimer – This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about orthodontics and general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your orthodontist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Teeth Hurt After FlossingÂ
Perry heads up a dynamic marketing team that has help the leading orthodontic practices in the USA 10X their business for over a decade. He’s a tea connoisseur, avid reader, traveling and grower of exotic fruits in his permaculture food forest.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!