Many people have a hard time turning flossing into a habit, but if you're honestly trying and are struggling to actually achieve the act, that may mean something else entirely. Many people who try to floss for the first time experience difficulty actually getting the floss to slide between the teeth effectively. Here's why you're having a hard time and what you should do about it.

Tartar

One of the biggest blockages when it comes to flossing is pre-existing tartar between the teeth.

Tartar between the teeth forms a sort of wall that floss can't penetrate through or pry off on its own. While plaque and food can easily be gotten rid of with floss, if your plaque has already turned into tartar, it may be sealing up the space between your teeth. Once this happens, flossing effectively may not be possible.

Swollen Gums

Another possibility is that you're experiencing one of the main effects of gum disease.

Gum disease ranges from pre-gingivitis to periodontitis. In the more severe forms, like periodontitis, the gum tissue can swell badly and become puffy and inflamed. This can make flossing very painful and it can potentially lead to bleeding from the gums when you do try to floss. However, in extreme circumstances, it can even prevent flossing in the first place.

When your gums swell, they do so not just at the fronts and backs of teeth, but also between them. This can take up some of the space between your teeth and make it very hard to squeeze the floss between your teeth.

Solution

If you're noticing that you simply can't get the floss to go between some or all of your teeth, chances are you have significant oral health issues that need treatment as soon as possible.

The good news is, a dentist can very easily scale away tartar and reverse gum disease. Once these two things are taken care of, you will be able to very easily floss at home. And of course, flossing regularly will help to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, so stick with your new habit.

It can be discouraging to try and do the right thing only to discover that it's not possible. However, with the help of your dentist, you can quickly undo the damage that's been done. Make a call to a local dental clinic, like Apollo Dental Center, and make an appointment for a full cleaning and examination.