{"id":285,"date":"2025-06-19T17:05:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T17:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.johnthompsondds.com\/blog\/?p=285"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:16:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T17:16:06","slug":"how-to-safely-free-an-object-stuck-between-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.johnthompsondds.com\/blog\/how-to-safely-free-an-object-stuck-between-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Free an Object Stuck Between Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019t harm your mouth in the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dental Floss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although they\u2019re called \u201ctoothpicks,\u201d those sharp wooden sticks you get at the supermarket are typically found in the baking aisle, and not the oral health section, and that\u2019s no accident. It\u2019s because they\u2019re not good for your teeth or<\/em> gums. Instead of reaching for those when you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Flosser<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Water flossers act like tiny pressure washers for your teeth and are an excellent tool for patients with braces. They\u2019re 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\u2019t come out with water alone. Either way, the soothing water won\u2019t injure your gums and may help provide some relief from any discomfort you may be experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crunchy Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Your Emergency Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have tried everything and still cannot get the debris out from between your teeth, call your emergency dentist<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Try This at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n