Pain While Flossing

Pain and discomfort is the one of the most commonplace reasons people do not floss their teeth on a daily basis. From bleeding gums to swollen gums to pain during flossing, patients get discouraged and discontinue this very important health habit.

Plain and simple, if you have gums that are sensitive you can still floss without pain and soreness. There are different products on the market that help in this area. With a little bit of research, you can find the product that is right for you. For instance, instead of the super thin, string-like flosses, try a soft floss, such as satin floss. Or you may try a dental tape, such as a satin tape, which is wider than standard floss. Patients that find that the thicker, glossy floss more comfortable, will become more comfortable making flossing part of their daily routine.

As always, make sure you use a soft-bristle tooth brush. This keeps your teeth and gums from getting irritated before you floss. And it’s preferred to use a soft touch when both brushing and flossing. Your teeth do not need to be scrubbed, just brushed gently so that every tooth gets clean. And floss between each tooth, of course!

Heed the words of a wise dentist who once said, “You don’t have to floss all your teeth—just the ones you want to keep!”