You know how important it is to floss at least once a day. You have plenty of floss on hand and have every intention of using it. You pick it up, wind it around your fingers, bring it up to your mouth… only to cringe the moment it touches your teeth and gums.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Flossing is the oral hygiene equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for some people. It’s extremely important to your oral health and can’t be skipped, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through it every time. Let’s take a closer look at what might be causing the problem and review some potential solutions.
Why It’s So Unpleasant
There are several factors that might be making flossing painful for you.
- You have gum disease. Many people have early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. This condition can make your gums feel tender and bleed easily, making flossing uncomfortable. It’s important to keep flossing anyway, though, because the condition often goes away when you implement a consistent oral hygiene routine.
- You don’t do it often enough. Flossing can feel strange if you’re not in the habit of doing it. Keep it up for a few days and it’ll probably start feeling better. Make sure you do a thorough job each time, reaching all the way under the gum line so you can get used to that sensation.
- You’re not doing it correctly. Yes, there is a wrong way to floss! Flossing too aggressively or with too much back-and-forth motion can hurt your gums. Ask your dental hygienist to review your technique with you.
- You’re not using the right type of floss. Not all flosses are created equal. Sometimes you’ll need to try a few different kinds before landing on one you can stick with.
Different Floss Types to Try
If you think a new type of floss might help, you’ve got a few different options.
- Waxed. Waxed floss is smoother and easier to use than the unwaxed kind.
- Natural. Floss made from silk, bamboo, or other natural materials might feel more comfortable against your teeth.
- Flavoured. You can get floss flavoured with mint, cinnamon, fruit, and even things like bacon. If you like the taste, you might not mind the sensation so much.
- Floss picks. Floss picks make it easy to floss on the go, and some people like not having to touch the floss directly. They may also be easier for you to use. Just remember – used ones go in the trash, not on the ground!
Let Us Take the Sting Out of Flossing
You deserve to have an oral hygiene routine you don’t dread going through each day. Contact Coscarella Family Dentistry today and let our team of dental experts help you find ways to brush and floss comfortably. With our guidance, you’ll have no trouble keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life.
