Most of us already know we should floss. The hard part is actually doing it. It is easy to skip when you are tired after a long day, running late for work, or just want to get through your bedtime routine more quickly. Some people only floss when something gets stuck between their teeth. Others figure brushing and mouthwash should be enough. So is flossing really necessary?
How Flossing Protects Your Teeth
Flossing once a day is a good goal. Morning, night, or after lunch all work. What matters most is making flossing part of your daily routine.
Brushing cleans most tooth surfaces, but toothbrush bristles usually can’t reach the spaces between teeth. That leaves tight spaces where plaque and food collect. Daily flossing helps clean those areas and may reduce:
- Cavities between the teeth
- Plaque buildup
- Gum irritation
- Bad breath
You have many options for cleaning between your teeth. You are not limited to traditional string floss. Some people find floss picks easier to use. Others prefer interdental brushes and water flossers, especially around braces, implants, bridges, or just hard-to-reach areas. If you have a hard time choosing something that isn’t awkward or frustrating, ask your dentist or hygienist what might work better for you.
Think mouthwash can replace flossing? Mouthwash freshens your breath and offers other benefits, but it doesn’t physically remove plaque between your teeth. That is why flossing still plays an important role, even when you brush and use mouthwash regularly.
What If Your Gums Bleed When You Floss?
A little bleeding is expected when you start flossing again, especially if it has been a while. Usually, the floss is not the real problem. Your gums are most likely already irritated from plaque buildup, and regular cleaning often helps them calm down.
Your flossing technique matters too. Slide the floss gently between your teeth, curve it around each tooth, and move it up and down. Avoid snapping it into the gums or sawing back and forth, which makes the area sore and may cut the gums, causing them to bleed.
If your gums keep bleeding, look swollen, feel tender, or seem to pull away from your teeth, definitely have your dentist in Yuba City take a look.
Should Flossing Be Painful?
You may notice some tenderness if your gums are already irritated, but flossing should not cause sharp pain. If it hurts in the same spot every time, something else may be going on. It could be:
- A cavity that has developed between the teeth
- The result of a rough or damaged filling
- Excessive gum inflammation
- Food trapped under the gumline
- A small crack in the tooth
- An infection that needs to be treated
Floss that constantly catches, shreds, or gets stuck in one area signals that something in that area needs professional attention.
When Should You Call the Dentist?
A small amount of bleeding when you start flossing again is not usually considered an emergency. Pain or swelling that keeps getting worse may be.
Call a dentist if you experience:
- Bleeding that worsens instead of improving
- Significant swelling of the gums
- Pus around a tooth or along the gums
- Severe or throbbing pain
- A bad taste or foul odor that doesn’t go away
- A loose tooth
- Swelling in the face or jaw
If swelling makes it difficult to swallow or breathe, get urgent medical help by going to the nearest emergency room.
Let’s Get Flossing!
Floss is not just for removing that piece of popcorn stuck between your teeth. It helps clean areas a toothbrush can’t reach, protecting your teeth and gums from irritation, decay, and possible infection.
If flossing hurts, your gums consistently bleed, you want flossing advice, or you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact the Yuba City Dentistry Group. Our team will quickly evaluate your situation and recommend treatment options to help protect your oral health for a lifetime. Contact us today.
