Regular brushing and flossing are the key to healthy teeth and gums. But if your gums hurt after flossing, does that mean you need to alter your oral hygiene routine? Is soreness or bleeding from the gums normal after flossing? Let us find out in this article.
Don’t Blame The Floss
You can’t deny the fact that your gums can hurt after flossing, but it’s not solely the result of flossing. There are other factors involved too. You can experience gum pain in only one condition, and that is if you floss rigorously or frequently. What dentists recommend is flossing only once a day and that too with gentle strokes.
If you have gum inflammation or soreness or they bleed while flossing in a gentle manner, something else is wrong with your mouth. Some of the reasons behind this issue aren’t very problematic, while others are a cause of concern.
Canker Sores
If your gums hurt after flossing and the reason behind it is a canker sore, you don’t need to worry much. These sores are non-contagious and can affect your oral health in many ways – one is painful gums. Canker sores usually appear as red bumps, sometimes with a white coating. These sores can cause pain, but most of the time, they go away soon. Don’t be afraid of the canker sores, as they will get better without much effort. However, if your canker sores remain for more than 15 days, visit your nearest dentist. Schedule an appointment with Pearl Shine Dental. To get in touch call 281-477-7200.
Minor Burns
Another reason behind painful gums after flossing is a minor burn. And shouldn’t be worried about this one too. These burns can happen if you eat or drink very hot food or drink without letting it cool. This can result in a painful burn that can cause soreness in the gums and your mouth’s roof.
Oral Cancer
A serious cause of gum pain is oral cancer. Like canker sores, oral cancer can appear as a sore, causing pain in some cases, not others. Oral cancer can also hurt your throat, cheeks, tongue, and gums. It is possible to treat oral cancer fully, but early diagnosis is important.
Gum Disease
One reason you may experience pain in the gums after flossing is gum disease. Under normal circumstances, bleeding shouldn’t occur when flossing, but if that happens, this means something is definitely wrong. Many times the wrong is gum disease. Other than bleeding, gum disease can also result in the following health problems:
- Gum inflammation
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
If the gum pain is not going on its own or lasts for very long, schedule an appointment with your dentist before things worsen.
How to Get Rid of Gum Pain
The best way to avoid gum pain is to floss regularly and in a proper way. Below is a detailed discussion on flossing.
- The most important thing about flossing is to do it regularly. Otherwise, it won’t be very effective.
- The second thing is only to use the floss to clean between your teeth, and no other items are allowed. Many people use paper, fingernails, cutlery, or pins to floss between their teeth. This isn’t just unhygienic but unsafe.
- Flossing should be done gently. Avoid snapping the floss with pressure. Excessive force can lead to pain and discomfort and can be damaging for your gums.
- Be patient and floss slowly. If you regularly floss your teeth in a harsh manner, the result can be receded gums.
- Also, floss below the gum line but do it very gently to prevent damage to the gums.
- Use floss from a different brand. If your current floss is creating issues, use other types of floss with soft coating.
If these techniques aren’t effective, consult your dentist to find other ways to clean your teeth. Water pick or water floss machine are good alternatives. A dental professional can explain to you in detail how to properly use floss.