Sometimes after a meal or snack, you may end up with a piece of food caught between your teeth. This may not seem like a particularly serious problem on the surface, but if the food isn’t removed, it could eventually lead to cavities and other oral health issues. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to resolve this potential dental emergency. To remove the food stuck between your teeth, try following the 5 tips below.
1. Rinse with Water
Sometimes a little bit of rinsing is all you need to get rid of any debris that has gotten trapped between your teeth. Simply take a sip of water, then swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds.
2. Floss
When it comes to cleaning the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth, flossing is a very effective option. Simply running a piece of floss between the teeth in question is often enough to dislodge any stuck food particles. In some cases, it may be helpful to tie a knot in the floss; this can give it a little additional thickness, which can make all the difference for particularly stubborn bits of food.
3. Use Your Tongue
In some cases, it may be possible to simply push a piece of food out from between your teeth with your tongue. Be very gentle, though; overworking your tongue could lead to serious discomfort.
4. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, are often very helpful for cleaning teeth. Chewing on these foods can often go a long way toward removing stuck pieces of debris. Furthermore, crunchy fruits and vegetables are known to encourage the production of saliva, which can help wash away food particles.
5. Visit Your Dentist
If the food remains stuck between your teeth no matter what you try, your best option is to call your dentist. They’ll be able to figure out the best way to remove the object in question before it can lead to more serious problems. Note that if a stuck piece of food is causing significant pain, swelling, or bleeding, then it’s all the more important to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can.
Ignoring a piece of food trapped in your smile is never a good idea. Take whatever steps you need to in order to get rid of the object and protect your oral health in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Douglas J. Gammenthaler is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, and he holds active memberships with the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. At Family Dental Care of Rogers, he offers same-day emergency appointments for patients who require urgent oral healthcare. If there’s a piece of food stuck between your teeth that you can’t get rid of, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Gammenthaler by calling (479) 888-5362.