Have you ever had a stubborn piece of food or an object get caught between your teeth? It happens to everyone, but sometimes they can be more difficult to remove—or even dangerous for your dental health! Using the wrong tools or techniques can damage your teeth or gums, so it’s important to educate yourself. Continue reading to see the steps you should take to protect your smile from interdental issues.
Step 1: Start with Floss
Floss is your first line of defense for removing something stuck between your teeth. However, proper technique is important!
Gently slide the floss between the teeth and create a “C” shape around each tooth. Move it back and forth to gently dislodge the annoying tooth invader. While you’re doing this, try to avoid pushing the floss down forcefully, as this could irritate or damage your gums.
Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water
If floss doesn’t work right away, try rinsing your mouth with warm water. Swishing vigorously can help loosen the object, making it easier to remove. For added hygiene and soothing, drop a teaspoon or two of salt into the water. This will help reduce bacteria and inflammation, especially if your gums are irritated.
Step 3: The Toothpick Trick
For particularly stubborn objects, a toothpick can work wonders—but only if you use it right. Don’t scratch or scrape at the object because that could hurt your teeth and gums. Instead, find a mirror and push the pointy end gently between your teeth.
Leave it there for a minute or two. This will create a little more space between your pearly whites so you can try rinsing, flossing, or brushing again. Avoid using sharp or improvised tools for this task, like needles, pins, or forks, as they can cause more harm than good for your dental health.
Step 4: Call Your Dentist
If nothing above works, or the debris begins to cause discomfort or pain, it’s time to call your dentist. They have more specialized tools and experience to safely remove it without causing damage. Delaying treatment could lead to swelling, pain, or even infection, so don’t hesitate to get professional help!
Dealing with something stuck between your teeth doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right techniques and tools, you can safely resolve the problem and protect your dental health. If all else fails, your dentist will always be there to bail you out!
About the Practice
At Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill, Dr. Parsia Koleini and Dr. Karl Arakelian know that even small dental issues, like something stuck between your teeth, can be detrimental to dental health. That’s why we’re here to offer guidance and gentle care when you need it most, helping you protect your smile with safe, effective solutions. Call (978) 372-6800 to schedule an emergency consultation with our expert team or visit our website to learn more.