Food Stuck Between Your Teeth? Here Is What You Should Know

It’s common for small objects to get caught between your teeth or your children’s teeth. Getting an object trapped between your teeth can be annoying and awkward until it is dislodged. If you get food stuck between your teeth, you can use floss or a toothbrush to extricate the annoyance. Swishing warm water around your mouth can help loosen the object.

Along with food, people can get objects caught in their teeth if they try to tear something open with their mouth. It is not safe to use pointy or metal objects between teeth. It’s possible to damage your teeth or gums by trying to forcibly remove an object. If you cannot safely remove the object after several attempts, you should call your dentist.

Dangerous “tools” you should NOT use:

  • Toothpicks
  • Paper clips
  • Safety pins
  • Sewing needles
  • Scissors
  • Pen caps
  • Mini-screwdrivers

If you experience pain after removing the object, you may have accidentally damaged a tooth. At BGW Dental Group, our dentists have a selection of techniques to safely remove objects from your mouth.

If objects get stuck between your teeth regularly, make an appointment with your dentist to determine a resolution to the problem. Objects may get stuck between your teeth if your teeth have shifted or if you have small holes due to cavities. Our experts can remove stuck objects safely and discuss preventing these occurrences in the future.

If you have any questions regarding whether or not you should come in or for guidance, please contact our office.