Safely Removing Food That Is Uncomfortably Stuck Between Your Teeth
When chewing food, it’s possible for a small piece to become stuck between two teeth. This is even more likely to be an issue with certain foods like tough meats, certain fruits, and hard snacks. Often a quick rinse with your beverage can loosen the piece of food.
When a piece of food becomes uncomfortably stuck between your teeth, causing pressure and discomfort, there are a few things Dr. Shuichi Yamaguchi recommends to safely dislodge it from between your teeth with little-to-no harm.
It’s important to remember that you should never attempt to use toothpicks or any kind of sharp, pointed tool to force the piece of food out. This could theoretically chip your teeth or even injure your gums.
Waxed dental floss is the best thing to use. The waxy coating on the dental floss allows the strand to glide easier between teeth to work around the lodged food particle. Do not try to force the floss, or snap it between the teeth as you are risking injury to your gums. If you happen to have a floss threader laden with waxed dental floss, this can also help you move the strand at different angles.
If you have a water flosser like Waterpik® in your home, it is certainly worth a try. The focused stream of water can flush away the food particle without any undue pressure. It can even occasionally clear a fragment helping keep the piece of food lodged in place.
If an item persistently remains lodged in your teeth, and you live in the Everett, Washington area, call 425-385-8130 to have it professionally extricated by Dr. Shuichi Yamaguchi. We will be happy to ease your discomfort and attend to your dental needs.
