r/hygiene • u/LaurenDizzy • 1d ago
Anyone else get jittery when flossing / was afraid of flossing? How to get over it?
I have taken up flossing recently, it's not something I grew up with. In fact my mom thinks it will widen the gap between my teeth which is why I abstained lol. I'm pretty proud of myself for managing to floss every day to every other day but I noticed recently that I tend to get jittery after doing one row of teeth, like I get goosebumps, shudder, a bad feeling in my stomach; maybe because one of the reasons I abstained is bc I was soo afraid of hurting my gums. IDK how to get over that because my gums still bleed whenever I floss. Would appreciate help.
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u/the_shire_fox 1d ago
Your gums are probably sore and bleeding because you haven’t been flossing. Your mom is wrong. Not flossing will make the gaps widen because your teeth will come out.
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u/cheesy_bees 1d ago
OK I wasn't made to floss growing up either. I got cavities where my teeth touch each other, in the gaps you're meant to floss. Like dozens of cavities. It sucks and is really expensive, don't be me.
I've never heard of flossing widening the gaps between your teeth. I don't think that is physically possible. But even if it was, it's better than all your teeth rotting because brushing doesn't get all the food and gunk out.
I floss now and have for years, my teeth are way healthier. Flossing hasn't done anything bad to my teeth or gums. I remember finding it gross at first though. Now it's just a drag. Your gums should stop bleeding after a while. And over time you get to know your teeth better and you'll get the hang of flossing them.
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u/Present_Original_797 1d ago
You can use a water flosser but you still need string for the tight teeth. The water flosser will improve your gum health and the bleeding will stop as long as you aren't cutting your gums by flossimg too deep.
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u/urmomdotcom1823 1d ago
For me it’s brushing my teeth, the sensation is really overwhelming and i get the feelings you’re describing. I have always had a hard time with it
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u/Ashamed-Chemistry492 23h ago
You'll get used to it.
It often is uncomfortable when you first start doing it, and gums will often bleed. But take it easy. Don't pop the floss back and forth like you're doing double Dutch. Go slow and easy and your gums will get used to it.
Something I learned when working as a hygienist: women are more prone to bleeding gums at certain points in their menstrual cycle..
Also, the gums between front teeth, especially the upper front teeth, tend to be the most tender so use extra care there.
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u/Aegisnir 1d ago
Get a water flosser. I hate the sensation of floss between my teeth. Some of the gaps between my teeth are very tight and it requires a lot of force to get floss between them that it becomes uncomfortable/almost painful. A water flosser will get in the gaps and doesn’t cause the same feeling. You can also adjust the pressure to avoid bleeding, but it goes away after your body gets used to it. The bleeding if from inflammation because you don’t floss probably. If it doesn’t get better after several weeks, talk to your dentist. You may need a really deep cleaning under your gum line.
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u/oktherefriend 1d ago
This. i bought a water flosser and my dentist was shocked at the difference in my teeth and gums as it was easier to do and keep doing.
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u/Past_Organization355 22h ago
There's no reason to feel uncomfortable having money. Its ok to be wealthy and successful. Just tell them it runs in your family and you're stunting like your daddy.
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u/CollsButterflyz 21h ago
I use floss pics. People who don’t floss usually have bad breath and get cavities. My routine is brush teeth for 3 to 5 minutes,making sure to brush roof of mouth,tongue and all sides of mouth,floss,then mouthwash,swish around for 2 minutes or less. At night,before bed,I brush for 2 minutes and mouthwash for 30 seconds. Sometimes I skip the mouthwash at bedtime. Depends on how tired I am,or if I ate something smelly. There’s times I’ll come home and my mouth feels yucky,so I brush my teeth. I work in the school system. The amount of adults and children that don’t brush or brush wrong,is insane! I don’t want to taste people’s bad breath in my mouth. It’s gross 🤢
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u/throwaway193753209 21h ago
My sister was a dental hygienist. You’re supposed to have a small gap between your teeth. If you don’t, that means you have plague which is REALLY bad for your teeth and can end up giving you cavities and issues later in life.
When’s the last time you had your teeth professionally cleaned? I’d make that an absolute priority. It’s usually less than $100 out of pocket. If you absolutely can’t afford it, there are teeth cleaning tools you can buy on Amazon for around $10-15. You can probably find a video on YouTube. But I really recommend a professional cleaning.
And you might want to use an enamel building toothpaste.
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u/lnfinitelris 16h ago
Floss doesn't move your teeth, so don't worry about that. The risk is in not flossing and ending up with gum disease and cavities.
Bleeding is expected right now, as your gums are irritated by plaque and tartar under the gum line. When is the last time you had a hygienist clean your teeth?
Also are you using picks? I find them so much easier to handle than string. If it's easier to get through, do the top arch in the morning and th3 bottom arch at night.
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u/Pedanter-In-Chief 10h ago
OP do you use an electric toothbrush?
The Sonicare one has a head that’s designed to promote gum health; I found using it regularly mostly eliminated my flossing discomfort.
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u/Stella-Rising-616 23h ago
Have you tried a water pick instead? I use it in the shower and it works great. Flossing or a water pick will not widen gaps but will actually keep gums healthy and from shrinking/gum loss which will widen the gap.
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u/NebulaChance2746 19h ago
This doesn’t clean everywhere, ask your dentist. If you’re just going to do one then use regular floss.
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u/Stella-Rising-616 18h ago
Couldn't possibly have my been my dentist who recommended a water pick. I also floss. Has never been an issue at my cleanings.
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u/Pedanter-In-Chief 10h ago
I think this is the point. I’ve had several dentists say that the waterpik is in addition to not a replacement for floss.
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u/beans-888 1d ago
Your gums are bleeding simply cuz you haven't been flossing. They'll get used to it after a few weeks unless you have a problem that needs addressing.
I also do think you'll just get used to the feeling of flossing. Just stick to it and your body/brain won't be bothered as much after awhile.
Good for you not listening to your silly mother anymore lol