Pain or discomfort around a dental filling when flossing can be unsettling. There are often clear reasons for this sensation. Understanding these causes, knowing when to seek professional care, and practicing good oral hygiene can help alleviate discomfort and maintain oral health.
Understanding Why Your Filling Hurts
Pain around a filling during flossing can stem from several factors. Temporary sensitivity is common after a new filling. The tooth and surrounding tissues may be sensitive for a few days to several weeks as the nerve settles. This sensitivity often manifests when eating or drinking hot or cold items, or even when breathing cold air.
Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, around the filled tooth can also cause discomfort during flossing. Plaque buildup irritates the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially when floss is introduced.
New decay forming under or around the edges of an existing filling is another possible cause. Fillings can shrink, crack, or loosen over time, creating tiny gaps where bacteria and food particles seep underneath. This leads to new decay, which can cause sensitivity or pain, particularly when biting down.
A cracked filling or a crack in the surrounding tooth structure can also lead to pain. Flossing can put pressure on these compromised areas, exposing sensitive parts of the tooth or irritating the nerve. If floss shreds around a filling, it can signal a rough surface, chip, or crack.
Improper flossing technique, such as being too aggressive or using a sawing motion, might irritate gums or put undue pressure on the filling and tooth. This can cause pain even without an underlying dental issue. An uneven bite or a filling that is slightly too high can also create pressure points, leading to discomfort when biting or flossing.
In more severe cases, inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, known as pulpitis, can be the source of pain. This occurs when the innermost part of the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated procedures. Symptoms include prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, spontaneous pain, or throbbing.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
While some discomfort after a new filling can be temporary, certain signs indicate professional dental care is needed. Contact your dentist if you experience persistent or worsening pain that does not subside within a few days to a few weeks. Pain that hinders eating or sleeping also warrants a dental visit.
Sharp, shooting pain, particularly when biting down or flossing, suggests an issue requiring evaluation. Visible cracks, chips, or damage to the filling or surrounding tooth structure indicate the filling may be failing. Discoloration or dark spots around the filling can also signal decay underneath.
Other red flags include swelling, redness, or pus around the tooth or gums, which may point to an infection. Lingering sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, especially if it persists for minutes after removal, could indicate a deeper problem. A feeling that the filling has come loose or fallen out, or a noticeable change in your bite, also requires a dental appointment.
Proper Flossing Techniques and Oral Hygiene
Practicing proper oral hygiene is important for maintaining dental health and preventing issues around fillings. Flossing at least once daily removes plaque, bacteria, and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot fully reach. Flossing before brushing can be more effective for plaque removal and fluoride retention.
To floss correctly, use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers and leaving a small section to work with. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, avoiding forceful or aggressive movements that can irritate gums or dislodge fillings. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it gently up and down, cleaning below the gumline, then repeat on the adjacent tooth.
Choosing the right floss can make a difference. Waxed floss or dental tape can reduce snagging on fillings or unnecessary friction. Water flossers effectively remove food debris and reduce gum bleeding, but traditional floss is still recommended for removing biofilm from tooth surfaces.
Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring fillings and overall oral health. Dentists can identify and address issues with fillings or new decay before they become painful or require extensive treatment. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush, complements flossing in maintaining cleanliness.
Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks can further protect teeth and fillings from decay. These dietary considerations, combined with consistent brushing and flossing, help support the longevity of dental fillings and overall oral health.