Why Does Floss Get Stuck In My Teeth?

You’re doing your nightly routine. You’re flossing. You’re feeling good, until…whoops. Suddenly your floss frays, snaps, and then wham! It gets stuck between your teeth and sets up shop like it’s moving in. Ugh.

If flossing sometimes feels more like a wrestling match than a self-care moment, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down why floss gets stuck between teeth and, more importantly, what you can do to fix it (without giving up on flossing altogether)

Why’s My Floss Getting Stuck?

There are a few common culprits:

1. Tight Spaces Between Teeth
Some people have teeth that are naturally very close together. That’s totally normal, but it can make flossing a little trickier—especially with thicker floss or if your technique is a bit forceful.

2. Rough or Jagged Edges
Old fillings, chipped teeth, or areas of decay can create tiny snags that grab onto floss. If you notice floss always getting stuck in the same spot, this might be the cause.

3. Incorrect Technique
Flossing isn’t about jamming the floss straight down and pulling it back up — this can cause it to tear or get wedged. Instead, the goal is to gently slide it between your teeth, curve it around each tooth into a C shape, and glide it up and down at least 8 times.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Floss
Not all floss is created equal. If yours is fraying or breaking easily, it might be time to switch to something smoother, stronger, or designed with extra slip and care for tight gaps between teeth.

How to Prevent Getting Floss Stuck in There

Here are some simple ways to make flossing less frustrating and more effective:

Switch to Waxed Floss, like Cocofloss
Waxed floss has a slick coating that helps it glide between tight teeth without fraying. It's often more durable than unwaxed versions because the threads are more securely sealed together. Cocofloss is coated in microcrystalline wax and coconut oil. So, not only does the floss easily slip in between teeth, but it  has some soothing properties for your gums thanks to the coconut oil.

Try Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes don’t shed and are a popular alternative to floss and floss picks in Europe for removing plaque and debris on the go. They’re like a toothpick-meets-toothbrush, all you need to do is give it a quick push in between your teeth and it’ll poke the plaque right out. Give it a go with our Great Gums Brush.

Slow It Down
Take your time and use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss in. Don’t snap it in or yank it out — your gums (and your floss) will thank you.

See Your Dentist if It Keeps Happening
If floss always gets stuck in the same spot, it could point to a dental issue like a rough filling, cavity, or tartar buildup. A quick checkup can help resolve the issue and make flossing smoother.

If you've ever thought to yourself, "why does floss get stuck in my teeth?”, you’re not the only one. Flossing shouldn’t feel like a battle. With the right tools and a little technique, you can make it a simple, stress-free part of your daily routine. After all, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every bit of plaque you remove helps keep your gums healthy and your smile stronger.

Happy flossing! We know you’ve got this.