Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Flossing?

Flossing is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. It helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, keeping your smile healthy and radiant. 

But what happens when flossing leaves your teeth feeling sore? Flossing shouldn’t hurt. When you experience discomfort, bleeding, swelling, or tenderness, it’s time to talk to your dentist. You may be experiencing an oral health issue or a poor flossing technique.

At Smyl Dentistry, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped countless patients take control of their oral health. We built our practice on empathetic, experienced, and patient-centred care, and we’re here to guide you. 

We want you to understand why your teeth hurt after flossing and how to address it, so flossing becomes an easy and stress-free routine.

What Could Be Causing Your Discomfort?

Flossing shouldn’t hurt, but for some people, it does. Your teeth or gums might feel sore for several reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes.

Gum Sensitivity & Gum Disease

Sensitive gums are a common cause of discomfort during flossing. Your sensitivity may stem from early stages of gum disease or simply from a lack of consistent flossing. When plaque builds up at the gumline, it can irritate the tissue, leading to inflammation and tenderness when you floss. 

Ignoring gum discomfort can, unfortunately, lead to more significant issues down the road, such as gum recession, bleeding, or even loose teeth.

At Smyl Dentistry, we prioritize gentle and compassionate care to help you manage gum sensitivity. Regular dental maintenance and personalized advice tailored to your needs can go a long way in maintaining healthy gums.

Incorrect Flossing Technique

Flossing might seem straightforward, but using the wrong technique could irritate your gums or even harm your teeth. 

For example, aggressive, back-and-forth “sawing” motions can cause your gums to bleed and feel sore. Another common mistake is “snapping” or “popping” the floss upwards. Unfortunately, it’s not effective at removing plaque and can also irritate your gums.

Instead, try this Smyl Dentistry-approved method:

• Use about 18 inches of floss & wrap it around your index fingers
• Gently slide the floss between your teeth
• Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth
• Move it up & down softly, avoiding snapping or aggressive motions

Need more personalized tips? Our dentists are happy to review your technique during your next appointment. And please know we’re a judgement-free zone. Truly, seeing you happy with your smile is what matters most to us.

Plaque Buildup

Do your teeth feel sore after flossing for the first time in a while? That could be plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film that accumulates on your teeth over time. When you can’t remove plaque effectively, it can harden into stubborn tartar, making flossing more challenging.

When your gums encounter floss after being neglected, they may react with tenderness or discomfort.

Our maintenance services at Smyl Dentistry can help give your teeth a reset. With professional cleanings and insightful home-care advice, we can help effectively prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Cavities or Tooth Decay

When your discomfort is localized to certain teeth or persists despite gentle flossing, it might indicate a cavity or tooth decay. Decay leaves your teeth weaker and more vulnerable to aches or irritation.

Smyl Dentistry offers experienced restoration services to treat cavities and help prevent further damage. Whether you need a filling, same-day crowns, or other corrective treatments, we’ll restore your smile with care and efficiency.

Tips to Make Flossing Comfortable

You don’t have to endure discomfort to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are some practical tips to help make flossing more comfortable for you.

Use the Right Tools

If regular floss feels harsh, try a softer option or an interdental brush designed for sensitive teeth. At Smyl Dentistry, we can recommend tools that are just right for you, helping to make flossing feel like a natural part of your day rather than just something you have to do.

Try Mouthwash & Fluoride Treatments

Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash can soothe your gums and reduce irritation. Fluoride treatments, like those offered with our maintenance services, can help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, providing an extra layer of protection.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key to building healthier gums. Over time, as your gums get used to regular flossing, your discomfort will likely decrease. If you don’t experience improvement, your dentist can provide personalized advice.

When to Call Smyl Dentistry

Often, discomfort is your body’s way of signalling that something more serious is wrong. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to book a dental exam.

Persistent or Severe Discomfort & Bleeding

One-off soreness from flossing might not be alarming. However, regular discomfort or bleeding may indicate gum disease or other issues that require professional attention. Your dentist at Smyl Dentistry can help you find an answer and address your concerns effectively.

Signs of Infection

Swelling, redness, or pus, accompanied by constant aching or discomfort, may indicate an infection or dental abscess. Don’t wait for it to worsen; infections can spread quickly and need immediate dental care.

Sudden Changes in Sensitivity

When flossing suddenly becomes painful, even though it wasn’t before, schedule a dental exam with Smyl Dentistry. Unexpected sensitivity may indicate underlying issues like enamel erosion or tooth decay.

At Smyl Dentistry, you’ll find a relaxed and judgment-free environment. No matter how long it’s been since we last saw you, we’re dedicated to helping you discover a healthier smile. From routine maintenance to restoration treatments, we can help you with dental concerns so you can smile—and floss—comfortably.

Flossing is Your Smile’s Friend

Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine, and it shouldn’t be painful. With the right tools, gentle technique, and support from a trusted dental team like Smyl Dentistry, you can make flossing a comfortable and effective experience.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, don’t ignore it. Reach out to our experienced and compassionate Smyl Dentistry team today. 

Whether you need advice, a professional cleaning, or treatment for an underlying issue, we’re here to help Torontonians achieve happier, healthier smiles. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment.