Flossing Q&A: Is It Supposed To Feel Bad?

We always tell you when you visit us that you should be flossing your teeth every single day. While you may have committed this detail to memory, you may not know what to do when you experience painful flossing. Should you continue on, hoping everything is okay? Is this just a normal part of the dental hygiene process, you wonder? We encourage you to consider frequently asked questions (and our answers), so you can get to know the ins and outs of safe, successful flossing.

Questions and Answers: Flossing

Question: My gums seem to be perfectly fine but when I floss, it often hurts. Is it possible that I’m just pressing too hard?

Answer: It is entirely possible that you are being too aggressive. Either you’re trying to press too far into your gum tissue or you’re just using too much force the entire time. Ease off and ensure you’re still flossing between teeth without unnecessary pressure. If the discomfort subsides, you’ve got your answer.

Question: If it is uncomfortable when I floss my smile during a dental hygiene session, does that mean something is wrong with my gum health?

Answer: If you’re flossing gently, it might be a sign that your gum health is in need of help. It could also have something to do with the health of your teeth. When pain occurs with appropriate dental hygiene, it’s time for a checkup.

Question: What if I haven’t flossed in a long time? How should I proceed with my dental hygiene? Is it going to hurt no matter what?

Answer: You may experience sensitivity throughout the first week or two. It should go away as you get used to flossing again. If you have not visited us for more than six months or if the discomfort continues, schedule a checkup ASAP.