teeth hurt after flossing and brushing

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Flossing?

dental cleaning

One way of keeping your dental and oral health clean and fresh is by flossing it properly. However, if you have sensitive teeth or your teeth hurt after flossing, flossing may not be a comfortable cleaning method. If you want to know more about why your teeth hurt after flossing, read on below or visit DWDentistKellyville.com.au for the much-needed information.

A dental floss goes hand-in-hand with a toothbrush when it comes to primary tooth cleaning. There are instances, however, that flossing can cause you pain, discomfort and bleeding. But, before we arrive to a solution for this particular oral health concern, let us understand flossing first.

What Is Flossing? 

Flossing is another cleaning method apart from brushing that one can do to maintain freshness and keep plaque from building up in your teeth. This procedure is done through a dental floss which is widely available in the market. In fact, this compact cleaning device fits right into your pocket and can be used if you don’t have a toothbrush with you on occasions of dining out.

Floss Your Teeth

Most dentists also recommend flossing for overall oral health maintenance. In a nutshell, there are areas where your toothbrush can’t clean. These hard to reach areas can only be cleaned with a dental floss. Flossing can also make your teeth visibly whiter than tooth brushing alone because it removes plaque and excess food particles.

Plaque buildup, which flossing prevents, can lead to hardened tartar that causes tooth decay and gum problems. The presence of sensitive teeth is an indication of an underlying gum disease that needs to be addressed to prevent further oral health deterioration.

What are the Benefits of Flossing? 

Using a dental floss on a regular basis does not only make your pearly whites shine brighter but it contributes to your oral health maintenance as well. To put it lightly, tooth brushing is like using a broom to sweep the floor from dust and dirt. You can never see it but there are excess food particles or dirt that still lies in your mouth. With flossing, these food particles and plaque that can’t be removed through brushing is now eliminated.

When you floss, not only you remove bacteria and prevent plaque build-up, you also ensure fresh and pleasing breath. Moreover, you get to enjoy clean and a white set of teeth that boosts your confidence to smile.

How Often Should I Floss?

People should practice good oral health measures to prevent dental and oral concerns from hampering their daily routine. A person should brush their teeth at least twice a day. For flossing, the American Dental Association recommends an individual floss for at least twice a day. It helps to floss mid-day (after lunch) and floss again before going to bed.

There are instances when a person forgets to floss and is too busy to take time off for such oral health measure. If you’re that type of person, you can floss after you brush your teeth to develop a habit of great oral health.

Why Do my Teeth Hurt After Flossing?

Now that we’ve understood the importance of flossing for great oral health. You may shake your head in confusion and is still not convinced on why you should floss because you experience pain and discomfort. If you’re one of the many individuals that ask themselves, “why do my teeth hurt after flossing?” here’s why.

  • You have sensitive teeth and that easily bleeds.

If this is the case for you, you need to build a regular habit of flossing it. Flossing once in a while can make your gums and teeth hurt. One thing that you can keep in mind is that people who made flossing a regular habit experienced minimized pain and discomfort over time.

It would greatly help to start flossing with soft and gentle dental floss (available in local pharmacies) which makes the abrasive action comfortable and slides naturally.

  • You have orthodontic braces

A lot of individuals use sports braces nowadays not only for cosmetic purposes but for good oral health care too. If you recently had braces installed, you may be wondering on how you can floss to keep plaque from building up. The good thing is, there is specialized floss available for use to keep your mouth clean.

These specialized flosses have a spongy portion that you can use to brush excess food particles on and between your teeth. Plus, it has a stiff end that you can use for threading beneath the brace’s main wire.

To optimize your flossing efforts, you can use a dental tape or a waxed floss that won’t tangle against wire braces or possibly damage it. You can also consult with your orthodontist about the proper way of flossing teeth with braces as it comes with complexities.

  • You have Underlying Gum or Teeth Problems

You don’t have to worry when you see blood for the first time when you’re just starting to build a habit of flossing. However, if you discover that bleeding persists after a week of regular flossing, you need to set an appointment with your dentist in Green Valley, NSW, at Hammondville Dental clinic immediately.

Bleeding and discomfort is usually a sign of underlying oral health problems like sensitive teeth, gum problems like gingivitis, tooth decay or infection and more. To prevent further dental discomfort and putting your oral health at risk, inform your dentist immediately if pain and bleeding continues.

When Should I Floss My Teeth?

Teeth After Flossing

As per the recommendation of most dentists, it would greatly benefit you to floss at least twice a day. Once mid-day or after lunch and one more time after you brush your teeth before going to bed. It’s okay to floss after your morning brushing routine. But, if you don’t have a follow-up flossing schedule after that, you may discover food particles still lodging between your teeth.

To maximize the effectiveness of flossing, maintain a regular schedule of flossing at night before going to bed. This also works for individuals who have sensitive teeth that can’t bear to keep up with the pain of flossing twice a day.

Most people neglect oral health because of the tedious tasks that comes along with its maintenance. However, your teeth and your mouth is an essential part of your body that needs ample attention and care. Without it, you can’t speak, eat and smile with confidence.

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