Why Do My Teeth Feel Weird After Flossing?
It's common to notice some odd or uncomfortable sensations in your teeth after flossing. While flossing is crucial for dental health, disturbing plaque and debris between teeth can cause temporary irritation or pain. Understanding the most likely reasons your teeth feel weird after flossing can help put your mind at ease.
Sensitivity
Exposing areas between teeth that are not used to being disturbed can trigger sensitivity. Floss scrapes against the sides of teeth and gets into spaces a toothbrush can't reach. This agitation can irritate nerves and make teeth feel sensitive for a period after flossing.
Sensitivity from flossing often lessens over time as your teeth get accustomed to more frequent cleaning between them. Proper flossing technique, like using a gentle rocking motion, can also help prevent painful scraping of teeth.
Gum Inflammation
Flossing can disrupt plaque and bacteria around the gums, leading to inflammation and tenderness. Your gums may ache or feel sore after flossing if irritation has occurred.
Bleeding from the gums during flossing usually means there is existing gum inflammation. Sore, swollen gums after flossing takes place as your body reacts to this disturbance. Proper flossing technique is important to minimize damage to gums.
Food Dislodging
If you have not flossed for a period of time, flossing can loosen pieces of trapped food, plaque or calculus from between teeth. This debris can cause irritation to teeth and gums as it dislodges.
You may notice odd textural sensations from food particles coming out from hard-to-reach areas. Any pain or discomfort is temporary. Regular flossing helps keep debris cleared before it can accumulate and cause issues.
Aphthous Ulcers
Some people are prone to developing aphthous ulcers or canker sores in the mouth. Aggressive flossing can cause this type of ulceration to the gums or the side of the tongue leading to pain and discomfort.
Using a gentler flossing technique can help prevent injury. If mouth ulcers are a regular problem, speak to your dentist about options to reduce occurrences.
When to Be Concerned About Weird Flossing Sensations
Occasional mild to moderate pain or sensitivity from flossing typically diminishes after a short time. But certain sensations may need attention from your dentist:
- Bleeding that takes more than a day to stop
- Sustained pain that interferes with daily activities
- Visible cuts, swellings or ulcers that don't heal
- Sudden tooth pain when biting down
- Loose teeth or fillings
Contact your dentist promptly if any flossing side effects concern you or don't go away within a reasonable timeframe. Serious dental issues like infections, nerve damage or trauma need to be evaluated.
Tips to Prevent Weird Sensations When Flossing
You can take steps to floss properly and avoid uncomfortable side effects:
- Use a soft, unwaxed floss to minimize scraping
- Ease floss gently between teeth instead of jamming
- Curve floss around each tooth in a C-shape
- Floss at a 45 degree angle to get under the gumline
- Move floss up and down several times gently rather than sawing back and forth aggressively
- Rinse your mouth with water when done flossing to clear away debris
It also helps to floss consistently every day. With regular flossing, your teeth become less sensitive and accustomed to the sensation.
Should I Avoid Flossing If My Teeth Feel Weird After?
It's understandable to be tempted to skip flossing if your teeth hurt or feel odd afterwards. But avoiding flossing allows plaque and tartar to continue building up leading to dental problems down the road.
The discomfort from flossing typically dissipates within a few hours or days after each time. Whereas dental issues caused by poor flossing hygiene can last much longer.
Practicing proper flossing technique and staying consistent will usually make the weird sensations go away completely in due time. The rewards of good flossing habits overpower any temporary side effects.
However, discuss any ongoing dental pain or issues from flossing with your dentist to make sure there is no underlying problem needing treatment.
FAQs
Why do my teeth hurt after I floss?
Flossing can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or discomfort by irritating nerves and exposing areas not used to being disturbed.
What does it mean if my gums bleed when flossing?
Bleeding when flossing usually indicates gum inflammation. Bleeding should stop within a day or two as your gums heal.
Is it normal for teeth to be painful after flossing?
Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity after flossing is common and normal, especially if you are just starting to floss regularly.
How long does flossing pain last?
Any odd sensations or soreness in your teeth from flossing should go away within a few hours or days at most.
What helps with sensitive teeth after flossing?
Using unwaxed floss, perfecting your flossing technique, and consistent flossing helps minimize sensitivity and discomfort over time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment