Have you ever enjoyed a handful of popcorn only to feel a sneaky kernel slide beneath your gums? You might think of it as more frustrating than problematic, but unfortunately, many people have injured their teeth or gums poking at trapped food or other debris.
For example, you might chip your teeth or cut your gums trying to pry it free with a fork, knife, or other household items. Continue reading to learn 3 methods that can help remove something stuck between your teeth without causing a dental emergency!
Tip #1: Push Gently With Your Tongue
If you can feel a piece of food or other object lodged in your mouth, you might subconsciously pick at it with your fingernail to try to extract it. However, it’s best to keep your hands out of your mouth because you could introduce additional bacteria that could cause oral concerns, like disease or decay, if they penetrate your enamel or connective tissues.
To avoid this, you can try to use your tongue to gently push whatever has been caught out of its hiding place. Be careful not to overdo it, though. If you overwork your tongue, it can trigger the muscles around your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) that anchor your jaw to your skull to become painfully inflamed.
Tip #2: Rinse with Salt Water
Another simple but effective way to potentially remove something stuck in your teeth or gums is to rinse with warm salt water. Swishing it around your mouth then spitting it out can clear away leftover food, germs, plaque, and other buildup.
Trapped items can also trigger a defense response that can cause the tender tissues in your mouth to become sore or inflamed. Rinsing with salt water can also help reduce any aches or inflammation to help you feel more comfortable.
Tip #3: Floss Carefully
Although brushing your teeth can remove plenty of plaque and bacteria, floss is required to clear away buildup from between them and below your gumline. This oral product is designed to clean away residue, making it an ideal solution for eradicating trapped food from your smile.
However, you might accidentally push the item deeper into the socket, so please use caution when trying to dislodge it.
If none of these solutions help extract whatever is stuck in your grin, it’s time to contact your dentist. They have the experience and technology required to safely remove anything from your mouth that isn’t supposed to be there.
Meet the Author
Dr. Travis Rottman has 14+ years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and is one of 6% of dentists to earn a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including same-day emergency visits. If something is lodged in your smile and you need help getting it out, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 848-0073.