Why Do My Gums Hurt After Flossing?

Gums Hurt When Flossing, but No Bleeding

Your gums can feel soft and tender after flossing due to the following reasons:

• Forceful Flossing Technique
  While flossing can sometimes make gums sore, it’s usually not flossing itself that’s causing pain. Pain from flossing is often due to flossing too hard or too often — at our trusted Dentist Richmond, TX, we recommend flossing gently once a day for healthy gums. If you floss gently and your gums still bleed, become sore, or feel painful shortly afterward, it’s likely a sign of another issue. Some causes of gum pain are mild, while others need more attention.
• Canker Sores
  Canker sores are a common, non-contagious cause of gum pain. They can appear anywhere in your mouth, including your gums, and usually show up as a small red bump or a bump with a white coating. Though they can be painful, canker sores usually go away on their own. However, if a sore lasts more than two weeks, see your dentist.
• Minor Burns
  Eating or drinking something hot too quickly can cause a minor burn in your mouth, including on your gums or the roof of your mouth. These burns are usually harmless and will heal independently, but they can be painful. Be cautious with hot foods to avoid these minor burns.
• Hormonal Changes
  Hormone changes can make gums swollen, red, and tender, especially during menstruation or pregnancy. These only affect women and are usually temporary, resolving on their own as hormone levels return to normal.
• Oral Cancer
  One of the more serious causes of gum pain can be oral cancer. It can start as a sore, which may or may not be painful, and can affect any part of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, cheeks, or throat. Oral cancer is treatable, especially when caught early, which is why it’s crucial to visit Dr. Arpitkumar Patel of Richmond Dental Care for Oral Cancer Screening twice a year. He earned a Master’s in Public Health from West Chester University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
• Using Unsuitable Floss
  While it’s common to use dental floss or similar tools for flossing, the urge to remove a piece of food stuck between your teeth can make you reach for anything nearby. Most Americans have used unusual items to clean between their teeth at some point, things like fingernails, folded paper, cutlery, safety pins, and even strands of hair.In fact, 42 percent of people who used these unusual items also reported feeling pain. To safely clean between your teeth and avoid pain, it’s best to use proper interdental tools like dental picks, floss, small interdental brushes, or water flossers.