Lots of us have had it happen at least once—you eat something and it gets stuck in your gums, so you try to remove it with your tongue, which usually works just fine. But sometimes when food gets stuck deep between the teeth and the gum line, it can cause problems, such as an infection in the tissues around the tooth or root of the tooth. So could food stuck in gums cause an infection? Read on to find out more about this possibility and how to treat it if it does occur.
What are some other common causes of gum problems?
Did you know that gum disease isn’t caused only by food getting caught in teeth and causing bacteria to grow? It can also be caused by things like periodontal pockets, cracked teeth, overgrown fillings or weakened tooth enamel. If you suspect that something besides food is causing a problem with your gums, make sure to talk to a dentist right away. Delaying treatment could lead to more serious health problems such as tooth loss, jaw bone erosion and heart disease. Your oral health is important—it’s never too soon to pay attention to it!
Should you see a dentist if food gets stuck in your gums?
There are a few things you can do yourself, but if food has been trapped between your teeth for more than a day or two, it’s best to see a dentist. You’ll be given a local anesthetic and they’ll scrape away at it with dental instruments. After that, you can brush your teeth as usual—the food should come out on its own and won’t get trapped there again. Don’t forget to floss! It helps prevent periodontal disease and other issues associated with plaque buildup around your teeth. If you have questions about how often you should floss or what kind of toothbrush is best for you, ask us! We’d love to help.
What can you do if food gets stuck between your teeth?
Getting , here’s what you can do about it: Brush more often: It may seem like common sense, but brushing more frequently can ensure that food and debris are removed from between your teeth before they begin to decay. If you’re concerned about plaque build-up on hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, consider getting a water flosser or using a tongue scraper. Floss daily: If you don’t want to pick out food with dental floss every time it gets lodged in between your teeth, then practice doing so regularly and it will become second nature.
How should you brush your teeth when there’s food stuck between them?
Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Brushing for two minutes will help you remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. It’s important to brush from side to side rather than up and down so that you can get below tooth surfaces where food often gets trapped. You should also make sure to floss each day; flossing can remove small bits of food or plaque that brushing misses. If you notice redness, swelling, or pus on your gums or cheeks, go see a dentist right away as these may be signs of gum stimulator disease or infection—both of which can be serious and difficult to treat if left untreated.
