Question 1

my gums are bleeding and hurt when i floss. it's never happened before, any thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Stillman cleft: Improper flossing technique will produce a v cut straight down on top of the interproximal gingiva, causing injury and pain to the area. Make sure you hug the floss to the side of the tooth prior to go down subgingival to avoid injure the gum.  Keep the area clean with good brushing and the cleft will heal within days.

Question 2

while i floss my teeth it hurts really bad and my gums start to bleed?

Accepted Answer

Haven't been regular: It may be that you are using the wrong floss (too thin or sharp), flossing incorrectly (r u flossing down each side of the tooth, and not in the middle).  But most common cause flossing leading to discomfort, pain and bleeding is doing it sporadically. Doofus it once every 1-2 days, ask dental hygienist about what floss to use and correct method of flossing....Voila, all your flossing are gone.

Question 3

do braces hurt when you have sensitive gums when flossing?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Braces in general are going to hurt a little.  If your gums are sensitive to flossing it's most likely due to some inflammation caused by plaque bacteria at or slightly below your gums.  Having braces makes cleaning your teeth harder which could make the inflammation worse...And the soreness worse.  Make sure your gums are nice and healthy when you start treatment and it should be a problem.

Question 4

i have braces. gums bleed and hurt when flossing. i know u need to floss, but i can't even do it without the floss getting stuck or hurting?

Accepted Answer

Tried tape?: You can look for dental tape where you buy floss, it is thinner and sometimes easier to get to fit in tight spaces. You should also speak to your dentist to get questions answered and help with technique / practice, as you will be wearing them for a while.

Question 5

i been experiencing bad gum pain. the dentist says its nothing but my gums hurt and i see small red lines like cuts on my lower gum and tartar buildup is there everyday but i take it off or try my best. i use mouthwash and floss regularly too?

Accepted Answer

: Is it just one area that hurts or does your entire mouth hurt? The cause of your pain needs to be determined so that appropriate treatment can be rendered. If your dentist cannot pinpoint the problem then it may be wise to see a periodontist.

Question 6

why do my gums hurt after eating a lot of meat and then flossing?

Accepted Answer

Need prof cleaning: I suspect you have gums that aren't as healthy as they can be.  Healthy gums will not bleed nor be tender after any eating.  If you gums are inflammed to start with, then food will get more easily impacted into the gums and when you clean the gums with floss, it will bleed and be tender.  Get a good cleaning and exam by a dentist to eliminate advanced periodontal disease (which you might have).

Question 7

i use oral b unwaxed floss but due to sensitive gums it hurts sometimes, can cause cuts & difficult for tight spaces. are there any better alternatives for sensitive thin gums?

Accepted Answer

: Treat the gums by going to a dentist and practice a good home care program. Go to pharmacy and get an interdental brush,  use    as directed to go between teeth. Try to use waxed floss but your best recourse is to obtain healthy gums.

Question 8

gum in back of bottom molar hurts and is a little enlarged. soft to touch. too tight to floss. wisdoms out yrs ago. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Swollen gums: May indicate infection (most probable cause), food impaction, abscessed tooth, split tooth, abrasive trauma, burn trauma, and many other causes.  This is not a DIY problem, especially if causes infection.  Please see your Dentist or a gum specialist, a Periodontist, for appropriate care.

Question 9

i just started flossing my teeth. my gums now hurt and areas are a little swollen and red.

Accepted Answer

Proper Technique: If you are snapping the floss downward between your teeth, you may be irritating the gum tissue or even pushing debris and bacteria into the sulcus. A gentle sawing motion to pass the floss through the contact, then pull the floss outward. When was your last professional cleaning? If more than six months ago, its time to call for an appointment.

Question 10

i had to stop brushing, flossing, and it hurts to eat. my gums are peeling, bleeding a lot, and some white stuff sloughs off. anyone know why?

Accepted Answer

Gums: You should visit a dental professional for further evaluation int this, however Vitamin C deficiency may be associated with bleeding gums amongst other possible underlying causes. The dentist may be able to assist you after evaluation.

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Doctor answers about:

Flossing hurts my gums

A member asked:

My gums are bleeding and hurt when i floss. it's never happened before, any thoughts?

A member asked:

While i floss my teeth it hurts really bad and my gums start to bleed?

A member asked:

Do braces hurt when you have sensitive gums when flossing?

A member asked:

I have braces. gums bleed and hurt when flossing. i know u need to floss, but i can't even do it without the floss getting stuck or hurting?

A member asked:

I been experiencing bad gum pain. the dentist says its nothing but my gums hurt and i see small red lines like cuts on my lower gum and tartar buildup is there everyday but i take it off or try my best. i use mouthwash and floss regularly too?

A member asked:

Why do my gums hurt after eating a lot of meat and then flossing?

A member asked:

I use oral b unwaxed floss but due to sensitive gums it hurts sometimes, can cause cuts & difficult for tight spaces. are there any better alternatives for sensitive thin gums?

A member asked:

Gum in back of bottom molar hurts and is a little enlarged. soft to touch. too tight to floss. wisdoms out yrs ago. what can i do?

A member asked:

I just started flossing my teeth. my gums now hurt and areas are a little swollen and red.

A member asked:

I had to stop brushing, flossing, and it hurts to eat. my gums are peeling, bleeding a lot, and some white stuff sloughs off. anyone know why?

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