Whether it’s a piece of stringy meat or a popcorn kernel, having something stuck between your teeth can be really annoying. But using a toothpick or fork to dislodge the debris is a good way to cut your gums and cause irritation. When you just can’t seem to remove stubborn leftovers no matter how hard you work at it with your tongue or fingernail, what should you do instead?
Try one of these four tricks for getting food unstuck from your teeth. If all else fails, you can always ask your dentist for help!
#1. Rinse Your Mouth
You might be wondering what a swish of water is going to do that you yourself can’t. Since water is a liquid though, it has an easier time fitting into the nooks and crannies of your smile. Plus, swishing it around your mouth adds force that might be just enough to push the piece of food out from between your teeth.
#2. Use Dental Floss
Dental floss is specifically designed to be gentle on your gums, so it’s okay to use it to try and dislodge stubborn food debris. You may have to slide it between your pearly whites a couple of different times, but with a little elbow grease, the floss should pull the food right out.
#3. Brush Your Teeth
Floss can work wonders, but sometimes what you need is friction. A soft bristled toothbrush may be able to scrub the food from your smile or at least loosen it so that flossing or rinsing will be more effective.
#4. Eat a Crunchy Vegetable
Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can actually function as a natural toothbrush. As you chew, the bite pressure can loosen and remove dental debris. Plus, crunchy vegetables also stimulate saliva production, which can help break down food particles and clean your pearly whites.
When All Else Fails, Call Your Dentist!
If you go through these tricks and the piece of food is still stuck in your teeth, it’s time to call your dentist. It might feel silly at first, but stubborn debris does count as a dental emergency. Your dentist will be able to use their special instruments to carefully pull the food from your smile, and you’ll finally be freed from the discomfort!
About the Practice
Dr. Tyler May and Dr. Mark Bowles are highly experienced dentists at TimberRidge Dental in Herber City. They provide same-day appointments for patients experiencing a dental emergency, so if there’s a piece of food stuck between your teeth, you can rely on them for prompt and efficient treatment. To contact their office for a same-day emergency appointment, call 435-654-2020.