My son is really not flossing very good and it hurts him to floss. have any ideas? mouth wash? he's only 10?!

Sensitivity to flossing is usually caused by not flossing correctly, enough, or a combination of the two. Flossing on a regular basis (once daily) will have the effects of both keeping the surfaces between the teeth clean and stimulate the gums. Now, if your son hasn't been flossing very often, like it sounds here, his gums are more than likely going to hurt and probably bleed when he flosses due to the fact that he likely has some type of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) going on. Gingivitis is a reversible condition of the gums and can be improved greatly be proper brushing/flossing, and if left too long can progress to periodontitis where the bone around the teeth actually begins to resorb. If plaque is left too long on the teeth it will mineralize to form calculus which normally cannot be removed by brushing/flossing....your son may be due for a cleaning at a dental office. But.....if your son begins to brush and floss regularly, can suck it and handle the pain (likely a throbbing sensation after flossing as well),and keeps it up for a few weeks, the gingiva will begin to heal and the pain/bleeding he was experiencing while flossing will begin to subside....but he needs to do it every day. Listerine is excellent at combating gingivitis and has been approved by the American Dental Association for that purpose, and a good non-alcoholic alternative to it is Crest Pro-Health, but they are not substitues for flossing, only aids in improving gingival health.

Best wishes.Health Question & Answer

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I'm a dentistHealth Question & Answer

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flossing gets easier when the gums get toughened up from the bit of regular scraping necessary to do the job,,,I never buy pharmacy floss,too expensive,,I get 50 yards of cotton,or nylon/polyester thread from a sewing macine shop,costs only a couple bucks for a hundred yards. double it up,,,,,the teeth squeak when they're clean,,,,,,sometimes gum disease is caused by the ulcer bacteria heliobacter pyelorum,,,the antibody might be present and a factor in the boys sore gums,,,,sometimes,the body reacts to food protein as if it were a pathogen or bacteria,,,,dentists disagree on the concept,if you change things in the diet,like ommitting bleached flours,snacks,sugared drinks,colas,,,,,,,and changing a source of protein,,,trial and error are how you do this,,,,,elimimate poultry,week one,beef week 2,,,,, lamb,wk3.etc etc,,,,,,,,,,also,,,,,,if you do not have a dentist, a measure possibly helpful is to get a can of ,like lysol disinfectant/antifungal,,,,squirt a bit into a couple oz of water,dip the tip of the toothbrush in it( a cheep battery oped osco 7 buck one will do),this is helpful,and if can tolerate full strength,use the spray without diluting,,,,clean every surface for 5 or 6 minutes,rinse with salt water,etc etcHealth Question & Answer

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First of all if it hurts he doesnt floss often you want to floss every night to prevent gum disease. If he just started doing that it is going to hurt but not very long just buy him cotton floss. Mouth wash wont do anything with that. And make sure he flosses it can lead to severe cavaties (very painfull), gum disease, gingivitis, and as your son has pain in your gums.Health Question & Answer

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Future DentistHealth Question & Answer

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Mouthwash doesn't remove plaque so it isn't a substitute for flossing.

Mouthwash is actually pretty useless if you brush and floss your teeth correctly lol.

Is there blood when he flosses.? If there is that means he may have Gingivitis, imflammation of the gum. So to fix that he would have to persevere, and keep brushing and flossing. There isn't much he can do except push through it.

When he brushes make sure he is using soft bristles, it won't rip up his gum as much, making it less sensitive.Health Question & Answer

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They have mouthwash for kids:)
http://www.listerinekids.com/smart-rinse...
Iv'e heard good thingggggs.:)Health Question & Answer

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I am not really sure people here would know the answer to your question, but, I do know someone who would, your family dentist!Health Question & Answer

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