If you have pain in between your teeth when flossing, it could be caused by a number of things. If the pain is caused by a root canal infection, a root canal may be necessary to alleviate the pain. In this blog post, we will detail what the most common causes of pain are and what you can do to alleviate the pain. We'll also discuss how Dr. Nieves and Granbury Endodontics can help with pain in between teeth when flossing if you do need root canal therapy.

Plaque buildup: The #1 cause of pain in between teeth when flossing

The most common cause of pain in between teeth when flossing is plaque. If you already have pain in between your teeth when flossing, it is likely due to plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria and saliva that constantly forms on your teeth. If you don't remove plaque regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a dental professional.

The good news is, prevention is the best way to make sure you don't have this type of pain and is pretty easy to do. In fact, you probably already know the basics: brush daily, floss regularly and see your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. Your dentist will give you the information you need to make sure you can easily prevent pain in between your teeth when flossing.

You may experience pain in your teeth if you're new to flossing

One reason you might experience pain in between teeth when flossing is that you're new to flossing and your mouth and gums just aren't used to it. The good news is that this will go away with time as your teeth adjust to getting used to flossing. You may experience bleeding in your gums when flossing for the first few times, but this will subside once you keep the routine off. You can start out by flossing every few days until the bleeding stops and your gums and teeth get more used to this new routine, then floss more frequently after that.

A more serious reason for pain in between teeth when flossing: tooth decay

If pain in between your teeth when flossing persists, it could be a sign of tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by plaque that is not removed from your teeth. When plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it can start to eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause cavities. If you think you may have tooth decay, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can treat the decay before it gets worse.

Root canal infection: another cause of pain in between teeth when flossing

If the pain in between your teeth is severe, it could be due to an infection. A root canal infection occurs when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and/or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. A root canal is a procedure that removes the infected pulp from your tooth. A root canal is usually necessary to relieve pain from an infection.

At Granbury Endodontics, we specialize in root canal therapy, so if you are having sharp pain in your teeth, swelling in your mouth or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, you might consider coming to see Dr. Nieves so he can help investigate what the issue is and put you on the right course of treatment. A consultation visit at our office can help you get pain-free so you can get back to living a normal life without the hindrance of tooth pain.

About Granbury Endodontics

Dr. Nieves and Granbury Endodontics can help with pain in between teeth when flossing. Dr. Nieves is a board certified endodontist who specializes in helping his patients relieve tooth pain. Granbury Endodontics offers a variety of services to help relieve pain in between teeth when flossing, including root canals, dental implants and more. If you are experiencing pain in between teeth when flossing, contact us today to schedule an appointment.