The Mail on Sunday

What’s WRONG WITH ME?

Painful flossing

-

BLEEDING during flossing is very common, especially if too much pressure is applied to the gums.

Teeth can also become more sensitive over time as the protective layer of enamel wears off, exposing the nerves underneath.

In more serious cases, the underlying cause is gum disease. A build-up of bacteria between the teeth causes inflammati­on, which can be painful when irritated with dental floss.

Other signs of gum disease include bad breath.

If untreated, gum disease can lead to cavities in the teeth and infections, which can also make flossing especially painful.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom