Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

4 Signs You're Flossing Your Teeth Too Hard

6 March 2023 by Lonnie Bryant

You should already know that flossing is important if you want to enjoy good oral health, but there's always a chance you aren't flossing in the right way. For example, many people floss too aggressively, and that can actually damage teeth and gums. Over time, tooth enamel can be eroded through vigorous flossing, and it's also possible to wear away gum tissue and expose the roots of your teeth.

As such, it makes sense to learn the signs that you're flossing too hard so you can adjust your technique before any real damage can occur. Here are just four common warning signs.

1. Pain or Sensitivity   

When you apply too much pressure while flossing, you can start to wear away enamel and expose the roots of your teeth. This makes sensitivity more likely, so you may start to experience pain or discomfort while consuming hot or cold food or drinks. Additionally, vigorous flossing will apply too much pressure to your gums, so they may feel tender when you bite down hard.

2. Receding Gums

When your gums start to recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed. This makes tooth decay and infections more likely — it even increases your chances of periodontal disease. In some cases, gums can recede simply because you are flossing too hard. When you press down hard on the gums themselves, they may start to pull back. This can be hard to spot at first, but you may notice your teeth appearing longer or that white spots starting to show towards the bottom of your teeth.

3. Bleeding Gums

It's common for gums to bleed after flossing when you've only just started incorporating flossing into your oral healthcare routine, so you shouldn't stop flossing just because blood appears. However, persistent bleeding that occurs even after you've been flossing for some time should be considered a cause for concern. Gum disease is one possibility, but it's also possible that you're simply flossing harder than you need to.

4. Red Gums

Even if your gums don't bleed after flossing, they might become irritated if you floss too aggressively. When this happens, you may notice them looking red or swollen after you floss. You may also notice that your gums feel or look slightly swollen or puffy. This will generally be one of the earliest signs you're flossing too vigorously, and bleeding gums will often follow. Even if flossing too hard isn't the root cause, you should still see your dentist to check for other underlying issues. 

For more info about dental services, contact a local dentist. 

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