What Do You Do If You Get Something Stuck Between Your Teeth?

When eating, it is quite common to get food particles stuck between your teeth. What should you use to remove it? If you are like most people, you might have cutlery, safety pins or even a strand of hair to remove food from your teeth. It is safe to say that safety pin and knives are not the safest things to put in your mouth, but there is a proper way to do this. Here are a few ways to safely remove food particles wedged in your teeth without risking damage to your gums and teeth.

• Rinse your mouth. This might sound too simple, but rinsing your mouth is usually enough to dislodge food stuck in your teeth. In most cases, you only need a glass of water or a handy beverage to swish around in your mouth. If the stuck food causes pain or discomfort, it would be best to visit an emergency dentist.
• Floss normally. Flossing removes unwanted debris, food, and bacteria from in between your teeth. Carry with you some dental floss so you can whip it out when you need it. Keep a dispenser in your car, work bag, or purse, so you will always have one nearby.
• Floss with a knot. If regular flossing does not work, tie a knot in your floss and pull the knot in between your teeth. The knot adds extra sickness that might be needed to remove whatever is stuck in your teeth. If you have no string floss, go ahead, and visit an emergency dentist.
• Brush your teeth. This seems like common, but people sometimes neglect this step and immediately go to extreme measures like using toothpicks. So, the first time you feel something stuck in your teeth, try to brush your teeth to gently get the food or debris out of your teeth.
• Use your finger or tongue. Use your tongue in a sucking motion can pull the food out of your teeth. Also, you might be able to gently pull the stuck food out using your fingers. Just make sure that you wash your hands before you put them in your mouth.
• Use a toothpick. Many restaurants offer toothpicks to remove debris from your teeth after a meal. If you have one, go to the bathroom where there is a mirror to remove whatever is stuck in your teeth. Remember that it has a pointed ends so be careful, so you do not injure your teeth or gums. Take note that toothpicks are single use, so discard it after use.
• Slightly move your teeth. Lodge a toothpick between your teeth for a while so the teeth move apart slightly, making it easier to remove whatever is stuck between them. Only use the toothpick temporarily, about 10 minutes maximum, so your teeth will move back to their original position once the toothpick is removed.

There are lots of ways to remove particles that are stuck in between your teeth, so you do not have to report to using needs, knives, and safety pins. Always prioritize the protection of your gums and teeth. If none of the tips above has worked in removing debris or food from your teeth, visit a dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist should have a few tricks up their sleeves to help you out.