Imagine you are eating one of your favorite meals, when you feel something get stuck between your teeth. It’s an odd sensation, so you start to pick at it to get it out. However, not using the right tools can potentially cause some issues by harming your oral tissues. Thankfully, this guide will walk you through safe ways to remove stuck morsels between your teeth and when you should call your emergency dentist.
How Can I Safely Remove Something Stuck Between My Teeth?
Generally, getting rid of objects that are stubbornly stuck in your smile doesn’t require professional help. Here are some effective ways you can try:
- Use floss and move it up and down the tooth to try to dislodge the piece. You can even tie a knot into the thread and use the added thickness to knock it out.
- Rinse your mouth with water and swish it around vigorously to potentially loosen the morsel.
- Eat crunchy food, such as a carrot stick or apple. It might seem counterintuitive if food is what’s stuck between your teeth, but they can help shift it out of place.
- Poke at it with your tongue or finger to try to get rid of the debris. A sucking motion with your tongue can be enough to pull it out, or you can use your finger to gently remove it. Just be sure you wash your hands first!
What Should I Avoid Using?
If the object is still stuck in your mouth, you may be tempted to use other items to try to remove it. Sharp things like a toothpick or fork may seem like a great idea, but they can harm your mouth. You can accidentally injure your gums or damage your enamel, so stick to the safer methods.
When Do I Have to Call My Dentist?
While getting something stuck between your teeth isn’t normally a problem, there are some instances where calling your dentist can be helpful. If you seem to always get some food or floss stuck in one particular place, it can be a sign of an oral health issue like a cavity. The decay may have caused the teeth to be a little rough, which is causing the objects to snag.
In some cases, it’s possible that you can’t remove the morsel on your own, or you feel persistent discomfort afterward. It’s important to call your dentist as they have special tools that can be more effective at removing the debris, and double-check that your oral health is pristine.
Having something stuck between your teeth isn’t really a fun experience, but try out these safe methods to remove it as quickly and effectively as possible.
About the Practice
At Lyndon Family Dental, you benefit from a skilled dentist duo who look after you and your oral health. Our goal is to be here for you, so we are proud to have same-day appointments for when you are experiencing a dental emergency. While something stuck between your teeth isn’t a problem until you can’t get it out, give us a call, and we’d be more than happy to give you some advice on how to remove it.
If not, then we will try to see you as soon as possible and get you relief! If you have any questions, the fastest way to contact us is by calling us at (315) 449-0711.