Floss is an incredibly important part of every at-home oral healthcare routine! Flossing lets you remove plaque, bacteria and leftover food debris from between the teeth; where your toothbrush is unable to reach. Dentists all agree that flossing is the best way to keep the gum tissue healthy and avoid gum disease.

However, while flossing is vital, there are ways to be too aggressive in your flossing habits. Flossing too hard or vigorously can eventually cause damage to the gum tissues and the enamel of the teeth. In short, if done incorrectly, flossing can actually harm your oral health.

How Teeth Can Be Damaged by Flossing Too Hard

Below are a few of the ways that flossing too vigorously can cause damage to dental health:

• Flossing Multiple Times Per Day – Flossing more than once or twice a day can increase damage done to your gum tissue. As the gums recede, the roots of the tooth can be exposed, which will cause damage and tooth sensitivity. For best results, floss gently and only once or twice a day.
• Flossing Can Cause Gum Recession – When trying to pull the floss through the spaces between the teeth, some people may pull too hard causing the floss to violently pull on the gum tissue. This may allow the floss to go beneath the gum line, causing bleeding, gum recession, and even gum disease. Wounding the gums can open up sores where bacteria can enter the gum tissue, causing infection.
• Being Too Rough When Flossing – Lastly, some people may be too aggressive, enthusiastic, or rough when flossing their teeth. This can the tooth enamel to wear down over time and cause sensitivity of the gum tissue.

If you’re not sure how to correctly floss or how to help your children learn to floss correctly, please ask our hygienists for a demonstration. In addition, please do not avoid flossing because you’re afraid you’re doing it incorrectly.

If you’re concerned about your family’s flossing habits or to make an appointment here at Severance Dental, please contact our Severance, Colorado family dental office today.