Tips to Deal with an Object Stuck Between Your Teeth

You can’t just eat applesauce and pudding at every meal. Well, you could but doctors certainly don’t recommend it. You’re also going to consume plenty of solid foods which brings the potential to get an object stuck between your teeth. Think of the TV shows where someone has gotten broccoli lodged in their smile, but there are times when an object like a seed can cause discomfort after it gets jammed. Different situations may require varying solutions depending on the particular something stuck between teeth. Keep reading for suggestions from your dentist in Flint.

A Toothpick Is a Valuable Tool

Toothpicks aren’t nearly as hard or damaging on the teeth as a fork tine, but you still need to be careful. Use a wooden toothpick and gently slide it between the two teeth where the item is lodged. Push firmly and slowly to try to create space for the food to escape. Rinsing with warm water can help to move this along.

Try Your Tongue

In addition to tasting your food, your tongue can be a handy tool when it comes to dislodging food from between teeth. However, you shouldn’t overdo it. When you overwork your tongue, you can cause jaw pain. Be sure to be gentle and don’t work on it forever. If your tongue just isn’t doing the trick, try swishing some water or mouthwash around your mouth to rinse it out.

Make Your Own “Toothpick”

If you don’t have any toothpicks on hand, you could make your own out of paper. Take a thin piece of paper and fold the corners to make a triangle. Poke the pointed end between the teeth with food stuck between them.

Munch on Crunchy Fruits & Veggies

Crunchy fruits and veggies can help to get rid of unwanted leftovers that are stuck between the teeth. Try munching on some carrot sticks or apple slices. Ultimately, these high-fiber fruits and veggies are like nature’s toothbrush.

Use Dental Floss

You shouldn’t drag floss with force over food particles that are stuck in your teeth. It can be tempting just to push it really hard, but you could end up pushing the object beneath the gumline, causing you to require emergency dental care.

Don’t Try Using a Fork

It may seem tempting and easy to use the tine of your fork to remove the object, however, this can be harmful to your smile as mentioned above. You could end up accidentally cutting your gums or harming your protective enamel. Ultimately, you shouldn’t be using anything metal to scrape at your teeth.

Your Dentist Is an Excellent Last Resort

If you have tried everything and still have a stubborn something stuck between your teeth, give your Flint dentist a call. You may need some professional help, especially if there is bleeding or inflammation involved.

Everyone hates to have food stuck between their teeth, but if it happens to you, try the tips listed above. You’re bound to find relief soon when one of these methods does the trick!

About the Author

Dr. Chitra Naik has provided quality dental care to her Flint patients for more than 25 years. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania and attends monthly meetings of multiple organizations to stay current on developments in the dental field. If you ever require an emergency dentist for an object stuck between teeth or another pressing matter, she offers same-day emergency appointments, accepts most major dental insurance, and offers CareCredit financing. Schedule an appointment on her website, but if it’s an emergency, call (810) 235-5422.