What to Do When an Object Gets Stuck in Your Teeth 

Having something stuck in between your teeth can be very distressing—especially if dental floss doesn’t dislodge it. Besides making it hard to eat and speak, this can cause several issues in the long run and lead to painful injuries, so finding a way to remove it or reaching an emergency dentist in Pembroke Pines is key. 

However, it’s important not to panic. Here are some tips for safely removing food or debris stuck between your teeth and what to do if none are effective. 

5 Tips to Remove Objects Stuck in Your Teeth

1. Remain Calm

When something foreign gets caught between your teeth, the most important thing to do is not to panic. Having an object stuck in your teeth is not a life-threatening situation, so there’s no need to panic.  

Maintain your composure to help you think clearly and develop a secure, workable solution. Hasty or careless actions can result in mishaps and harm to your gums and teeth. 

2. Push Carefully with Your Tongue

When you feel something stuck between your teeth, try using your tongue to push it out first. Make sure to apply gentle pressure; Excessive force could result in jaw muscle soreness, leading to undesirable conditions like TMJ disorder, difficulty chewing, and even abnormalities in your speech pattern. 

3. Don’t Use Random Tools to Remove It

Under no circumstances should you use pliers, knives, tweezers, needles, or sharp objects to remove the item. This is very risky and will only result in more mouth injuries, like cuts, damage to your gums, or serious damage to your enamel. 

4. Rinse Your Mouth

If you can’t remove the object with your tongue, try rinsing your mouth with water. The stream can help dislodge it, and the coolness may help reduce tooth pain if there’s discomfort.  

Moreover, if you notice bleeding, rinsing your mouth will help clear the area. That way, you can see what is happening in your mouth more clearly. If you can, get a second set of eyes who can look at your mouth to help you locate the object.  

5. Use Waxed Dental Floss

One of the best methods for getting foreign objects out of between teeth is to use waxed dental floss. Waxed floss has a coating that makes it easier to get into narrow crevices, entering between your teeth and the unwanted object. 

Additionally, the wax on the string can lubricate the area, helping the item become dislodged. Just be gentle while flossing, and avoid using too much force.  

What If the Floss Itself Gets Stuck?

Sometimes the floss is the thing that’s caught. This usually happens when floss shreds against a rough or worn filling edge, or when two teeth are very tightly spaced. Don’t yank it upward. Slide one end sideways out from between the teeth instead, or rinse with warm water and try a floss threader or a small interdental brush to loosen the strand. Floss doesn’t dissolve on its own, and a leftover fragment can inflame the gums, so don’t leave it in place.

What If It’s Stuck in Your Gums?

Seeds, popcorn hulls, and loose toothbrush bristles can lodge in the gumline, where they’re harder to reach. If your gums are swollen, tender, or bleeding, avoid poking at the spot. Rinse with warm salt water and gently clean around it instead.

Signs It’s Time to See an Emergency Dentist

Waiting is fine for a minor irritation, but don’t wait if you notice any of these:

• Swelling in your gums, cheek, or face
• Pus, a bad taste, or fever
• Pain that persists or worsens
• Floss that keeps shredding or catching in the same spot, which can point to a damaged filling or hidden cavity

If the object is still stuck after a day, or you see these signs, an emergency dentist in Pembroke Pines can remove it safely, check for infection, and repair whatever caused it to catch.

Extra: Visit an Emergency Dentist in Pembroke Pines

If you’ve tried all of these remedies with no success, then it’s time to make an appointment with an emergency dentist. Following a comprehensive examination, we will evaluate your oral health and safely remove any debris between your teeth,  

Ready to restore the comfort of your smile? Reach out to Village Square Dental and get the professional health you need!