Flossing may cause brief discomfort or sensitivity, especially if you’re new to flossing or don’t regularly. However, if your teeth still hurt after flossing and the pain lasts, it might indicate a hidden dental problem. Here are a few potential causes for dental discomfort following flossing:
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. Bacteria that accumulate in your mouth can cause gum inflammation and infection. Gum disease can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding when flossing. This might cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, gum disease can cause teeth to shift and become loose in the mouth, increasing sensitivity and pain.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common dental problem caused by bacteria in your mouth producing acids that erode the enamel on your teeth. When you have dental decay, your teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes or sugary foods, and flossing around the decayed tooth may cause pain or discomfort. Additionally, it may dislodge a fragment of a decayed tooth, resulting in pain and sensitivity.
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Braces or Other Dental Work
If you have braces, a dental bridge, or other dental work, flossing may be more challenging and painful. When you get braces or other dental work done, the gaps between your teeth can close up, making it more difficult to floss. Also, when you floss incorrectly, your appliance may become loose and cause pain and discomfort. In addition, when you floss around your dental bridge’s abutment teeth, you may experience sensitivity or pain.
Aggressive Flossing
Flossing too violently can cause pain and damage your gums, resulting in sensitivity and discomfort. Using too much pressure or snapping the floss into your gums might result in minor cuts or abrasions that can be uncomfortable. It hurts worse if you employ a sawing technique rather than a soothing back-and-forth motion.
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Allergies or Sensitivities
An allergy or substance sensitivity can make your teeth painfully sensitive. Some people are allergic to the ingredients in dental floss, such as flavorings, fragrances, or coatings. After flossing, you could feel uncomfortable or in pain if you have an allergy or sensitivity. In some circumstances, you might need to change the type of floss you use or stop flossing entirely.
Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, flossing may cause you pain or discomfort. When your teeth’s protective enamel erodes, the sensitive dentin layer beneath is exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. This could result in pain or sensitivity while eating or drinking cold, hot, or sweet foods, and it can also be exacerbated by flossing. In addition, it may aggravate the condition because it applies pressure or irritates the gums.
Grinding or Clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth might cause discomfort or sensitivity when flossing. Teeth might become more sensitive to pressure or temperature changes if the enamel protecting them is worn down through grinding or clenching. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, flossing may also irritate your gums and hurt.
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Jaw Problems
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), flossing can cause jaw discomfort or discomfort. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the joints and muscles that control the mobility of your jaw. When you open or close your mouth, it may make popping or clicking noises in addition to causing pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, or shoulders. Flossing might aggravate the discomfort brought on by TMJ disorder.
If you have pain or discomfort after flossing, discussing it with your dentist is crucial. We can aid in figuring out the root of the problem and suggest the best course of action to address the symptoms. Call us at Smile Dental if you live in Toronto, and we can provide you with any dental care you require!
