As you go about your day, you may be snacking and eating a wide range of foods. While you may be enjoying them, you might have a morsel lodged between your teeth. When this happens, it usually causes an odd sensation you want to get rid of, but what should you use? Some things are safer than others, so here’s a quick guide to what you can do if you have something stuck in your smile and when it’s time to call your dentist.
What Can I Use to Safely Remove Something Between My Teeth?
Getting rid of an object between your grin oftentimes doesn’t need to be seen by a professional. There are plenty of effective methods you can try to remove it, such as:
- Use floss as it’s designed to get in the areas where the piece is stuck. Move it up and down the tooth, but you can also tie a knot in the thread to make it a bit thicker.
- Rinse with water and swish it vigorously to loosen the morsel that’s refusing to let go.
- Eat a crunchy food, as it can shift whatever is stuck out of place in some cases. Carrot sticks or an apple are some great options that are also nutritious.
- Poke with your finger to move the debris around.
- Do a sucking motion with your tongue to pull it free.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Use?
Your go-to items to use for situations like these might be a toothpick or other thin, sharp object, but they aren’t usually recommended. While they can be effective, they can cause harm if you aren’t careful. It’s possible you’ll puncture your gums or damage your enamel, so it’s best to avoid them and stick to the safer methods above.
Do I Need to Call My Dentist?
As was mentioned above, the good news is that something stuck between your teeth usually isn’t an issue you need to see your dentist for. However, there are some cases where calling them can be helpful! If you tend to notice that food or floss gets snagged there consistently, then it may be a sign of a cavity. Decay can roughen the area, leading to this situation consistently.
If you can’t remove the object on your own or feel persistent discomfort even after getting it out, then you should visit your provider. They have special instruments that can make getting rid of them a breeze and double-check to make sure there are no underlying oral health issues.
In the end, try out the safe methods above, and hopefully you have some luck! If not, then your dentist is here to help you out.
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your smile. We are dedicated to helping the Indian Land community with their dental emergencies. By giving us a call, we can give you more advice about your situation and get you in as soon as possible to get relief. If you are in need of urgent oral care, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (803) 650-3925.