Flossing is an important part of caring for your teeth and gums, but it isn't always the easiest thing for everyone. If you've been trying to floss but have noticed that your teeth or gums seem to be more sensitive after flossing than when you don't floss, there are a couple of potential causes behind it. Here's why you shouldn't take the discomfort as a sign that you should stop flossing.
Plaque as a Barrier
One of the possibilities here, especially if you don't floss regularly or haven't previously, is that there's plaque on your teeth. Removing plaque is one of the key reasons for flossing, and it's good for your teeth and gums. However, if you've had plaque for a long time, it's possible that your teeth are already damaged and removing the plaque is increasing your sensitivity as a result.
While plaque doesn't do anything beneficial for teeth, it may inhibit the sensation of sensitivity or discomfort when it's covering your teeth. If your enamel is thin, things like cold drinks, hot food, or simply touching your teeth may not cause as much discomfort because the plaque is creating a thin layer between the substance and your teeth. Once this plaque is pulled away by the floss, this protection goes away. However, it's important to remember that plaque will continuously break down dental enamel, so ignoring it by not flossing will only make the problem worse.
Removing Gunk From Gums
Another reason why you may be having some sensitivity in your gums is because they're already suffering from gum disease or have debris caught under them.
When gums are unhealthy, a gap between the base of the tooth and the gums often forms. This is what's known as a gum pocket. This pocket can catch bacteria, plaque, and tartar, increasing the irritation and pain in your gums. When you scoop some of this out, sensitivity often results, like exposing a wound to the air for the first time. Again, though, leaving it and skipping flossing is a bad idea, as your gums are likely to become even more unhealthy.
What to Do
If you're having either of these problems, you should see a dentist. While it's easy to try and ignore the problem, if you're having discomfort or pain, chances are you already have an oral health problem that needs treatment. Consider this an early warning sign that may help to prevent you from experiencing significant problems like cavities or severe gum disease that can ultimately cause things like total tooth loss.
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