How to Safely Free an Object Stuck Between Your Teeth

Getting stuck in a jam is never fun, especially when it comes to having food caught between your teeth. It can not only be painful, but if left in your smile it can cause bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease. But before you reach for that toothpick, try these safe methods for dislodging trapped debris that won’t harm your mouth in the process!

Dental Floss

Although they’re called “toothpicks,” those sharp wooden sticks you get at the supermarket are typically found in the baking aisle, and not the oral health section, and that’s no accident. It’s because they’re not good for your teeth or gums. Instead of reaching for those when you’ve got food stuck, the first thing you should locate is dental floss or a floss pick. These were designed to fit safely between your teeth and remove plaque and other debris that may have become trapped there, so save the toothpicks for your charcuterie or to test if your banana bread is finished.

Water Flosser

Water flossers act like tiny pressure washers for your teeth and are an excellent tool for patients with braces. They’re also extremely helpful if you get food or debris trapped in your smile. You can use water to loosen the offending particles and then try flossing or brushing again if they don’t come out with water alone. Either way, the soothing water won’t injure your gums and may help provide some relief from any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Crunchy Foods

Crunching fresh fruits or vegetables such as carrots, apples, or celery can stimulate saliva production while their texture acts as a natural toothbrush, scrubbing away debris while you chew. This could help free the debris from between your teeth, especially if you are not somewhere with immediate access to a toothbrush or floss.

Call Your Emergency Dentist

If you have tried everything and still cannot get the debris out from between your teeth, call your emergency dentist as soon as possible. They can bring you in for an emergency appointment to remove the offending particle safely and efficiently and ensure that your teeth and gums are not injured during your attempts to remove it.

Don’t Try This at Home

Now that you know a few methods to try to free your smile from dental debris, here are a few things to avoid. Never try to dislodge trapped particles with:

• Tweezers
• A knife
• A safety pin
• Scissors
• A wooden toothpick

These items are not intended to go between the teeth and could easily cause injury or infection to your gums.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for food to occasionally get stuck between your teeth. If it happens, don’t panic. Try these tips first, and if you still need help removing it, schedule an urgent appointment with your dentist.

About Dr. Thompson

Dr. John T. Thompson is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Practice, and the Texas Dental Association. He’s a former President of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society, The Corpus Christi Dental Study Club, the South Texas Academy of General Dentistry and has been proud to serve on the Texas Dental Association’s Board of Directors. He was also among the nominees for Texas AGD Dentist of the Year in 2016 and has been honored by Texas Monthly magazine as Texas Super Dentist! If you have a dental emergency such as a trapped food particle, please give us a call as soon as possible at 361-242-3151.