Why are my gums more puffy after I floss and feel sore until the next morning?

Question

I know my gums have been bad for a while, but it almost seems like it gets worse after I floss because they become more puffy. I've been flossing for a while but it started happening recently when I started flossing further under the gum line. I heard two different stories behind this: some people say it is because I'm flossing too hard while others tell me that it's because I'm finally starting to floss right and since my gums are so bad that is why it's happening and that after a while of flossing it like that, the swelling will eventually go away. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

You are over-flossing and irritating the gums.  I suggest you ease off a bit and see if that helps.  Leave the cleaning under the gum line to your hygienist and dentist.  

Answer 2

I agree with roxi, but would add that you need to go as deep as the gum will let you, eventually they will be less inflammed and therefore less sore....Keep doing it, and the swelling should go away in a week to 10 days....

If it does not resolve in 14 days...I would visit the dentist.

Answer 3

If your gums aren't healthy they will bleed easily.  It may be that you are digging in too much with the floss.  I'd say keep flossing , but do it more gently.  Rinse with mouthwash when you are through to heal the gums. It would probably be a good idea to go to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned professionally if you haven't had that done recently.  After that it will be easier to take care of yourself.

Answer 4

You are probably flossing too hard. You are hurting your papilla, the skin in between your teeth. This skin will get very sore if you are forcing the floss up and hard between your teeth. When you are flossing remember that you are flossing the sides of your teeth. So carefully bring the floss up between the teeth and then use the floss to remove the plaque between the teeth by gently sliding the floss up and down along the sides of the teeth. If you are still sore try rinsing with salt water.

Answer 5

maybe after flossing you should use a mouth wash too...as a rinse out?