Categories: Oral Hygiene Basics

What Can Happen When Food Gets Stuck in Your Teeth?

Some people may not have the issue of food getting stuck in between their teeth. Many times it all depends on different factors including what kind of food they are eating and if they have any gapped teeth or inflamed gums. Either way, if someone has been noticing that food is getting stuck in their teeth it is important that it’s removed and someone keeps a good dental hygiene routine.

Having a good routine when it comes to daily oral hygiene is important if someone begins noticing changes in their teeth it may require that slight adjustments be made to compensate. Doing this can fend off other issues from occurring and it will help someone keep everything in order in their day to day life.

What can food getting stuck in your teeth indicate?

Most of the time food getting stuck in certain areas of someone’s mouth is not a big issue. It can be from the type of food that is being chewed or if the food is more sticky or chewy in consistency. However, if there is pain or someone notices that the gums are bleeding it could indicate that there is something for the dentist to take a look at.

Although it typically is not something that needs an emergency dental appointment, making a note to talk to with the dentist at your next bi-annual cleaning would be a good idea. If an issue does irritate a person or if it becomes painful, making an appointment to visit a dentist may be the best idea.

Brushing and flossing is very important

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing every day is important. However, if you have noticed that food keeps getting stuck in a specific area of your mouth or between certain teeth it could benefit from slightly adjusting your routine.

If food continues getting stuck between two certain teeth, adding some extra brushing to that area could be beneficial. Although over-brushing is never a good thing. Adding an extra 15-20 seconds of lightly brushing the area can help in strengthening the gums.

When flossing, be sure and floss between the two teeth where the food keeps getting stuck. This will help to ensure that all of the food is removed, even particles that you can’t feel. The flossing will also strengthen your gums, which over time can help to fight off pieces of food getting stuck.

Using a salt water solution

A salt water solution can both clean the teeth and gums, and also help in healing areas of the mouth. Although, many people do not realize that salt can be a healing agent when used properly. Adding a bit to some water and swishing it around your mouth can help strengthen gums, too!

Using a tooth pick can be helpful

Using a toothpick can help in dislodging food or particles that are stuck in-between a person's teeth. Someone can use their fingers most times, but if the piece of food is small enough it may not be enough to dislodge it. Never use anything metal to do this. Instead, use a toothpick and get the piece of food dislodged and free from between the teeth.

Contact us today!

If you have been noticing that food keeps getting stuck in a certain spot, or if there is pain that continues for an extended time, having a quick chat with our dentist could be beneficial. Most of the time it could be an issue that is easily resolved if dealt with sooner rather than later. Contact our office and we can help you make the best decisions for your oral health and gums. Contact us today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.implantdentalbellevue.com or call Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (425) 249-9186 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

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