How gentle to be with gingivitis?

[Antonio18]

With gingivitis, should I be being extra careful when I floss and brush? I often find that when I try to floss and push it up into the gums it hurts a bit for a minute or two afterward; I know I need to be cleaning the whole of my teeth but is it potentially damaging or potentially worsening for the gingivitis if I am flossing to that point?
Similarly, when I brush, should I be attempting to avoid making much contact with the gums? Just in general I have been led to believe that I should be more careful but how do I do that and yet not decrease how thorough I am?

 

[Dr M]

Do not push the floss to far below the gum level. You can damage your gums. When brushing, it is important to go partly over the gums as well. Try switching to an ultra-soft toothbrush. You will then protect your gums and not damage it further.

 

[Antonio18]

Do not push the floss to far below the gum level. You can damage your gums. When brushing, it is important to go partly over the gums as well. Try switching to an ultra-soft toothbrush. You will then protect your gums and not damage it further.

Thanks very much for your response; that is very useful. Though, is there a way I can know how far to go with the floss?

 

[Dr M]

If you go just below the gum, then that should be far enough. Not more than 2-3mm

 

[Antonio18]

If you go just below the gum, then that should be far enough. Not more than 2-3mm

sorry to drag this on; but to make sure I understand; even if you were comfortably able to get it down that far?

 

[Dr M]

Yes. Do not try and floss excessively below the gum.