It’s not uncommon to get a small piece of food stuck between your teeth when you eat. In most cases, it comes free on its own. However, there are other times when you might get a tough piece of food, like a meat fiber or popcorn hull, uncomfortably stuck in your teeth. To help safely remove it, your dentists, Dr. Ross and Dr. Chmiel, offer these basic insights.

Even if you’re experiencing discomfort, pressure or pain, you need to keep a level head. Never try to use toothpicks or any kind of sharp, pointed tool to pry it out. This could potentially chip your teeth and severely wound your gums.

Waxed dental floss is the first thing you should reach for. The waxy coating allows the strand to slide easier between teeth to work around the lodged food particle. Try not to force the floss into place as this could also injure your gums. If you have one on hand, a floss threader loaded with waxed dental floss can help you work the strand from a different angle.

You could also try using an oral irrigator or dental water jet device. The concentrated stream of water could wash away the food particle without any undue pressure. Sometimes it can even clear debris that are holding the piece of food in place.

We encourage you to contact our office at 414-525-0300 today if the food is still stuck after your efforts and we will professionally remove it. Your dentists in Franklin, Wisconsin, is happy to help you!

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