6 Tips to Remove an Object Stuck Between Teeth

Nothing is more annoying than having a piece of food, or an object caught between your teeth. Although it might not seem like anything more than a nuisance, in some cases, it can be a dental emergency. If you have something stuck between your teeth, don’t reach for the tweezers or a metal pick quite yet. Here’s how to safely remove an object from between your teeth.

Tips for Removing Object Between Teeth

Eating your favorite meal or snack can leave some fibers stuck between your teeth, which is common if you have certain alignment issues, like large gaps. It’s also not unusual for children or teens to have a habit of putting inedible objects in their mouths, which might get trapped. Often, you can use a piece of dental floss to free it. If flossing doesn’t work, here are a few tips from your dentist to help you through the stressful situation:

1. Remain Calm: Although it might make your anxiety levels rise, having something stuck between teeth isn’t a life-threatening problem; however, it is a complication that needs to be resolved. Approach the issue with a calm head to better understand the situation to think clearly before proceeding.

2. Don’t Use Anything Sharp: If floss can’t remove the object, it’s tempting to reach for a sharp or metal object, but your dentist advises against using tweezers, knives, needles, or anything else that’s not designed for oral hygiene to avoid causing an injury.

3. Rinse Your Mouth: If there is any bleeding where the object is stuck, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. It will help soothe any discomfort while washing away blood to allow you to assess the problem better.

4. Use a Waxed Floss: Waxed floss is often more effective at removing a foreign object because it is lubricated. You may need to floss the area several times; however, avoid pushing too hard to prevent injuring your gum tissue.

5. Try a Water Flosser: If waxed floss wasn’t enough to get the object out, a water flosser may be more effective. A pressurized stream of water might be able to dislodge it. Unfortunately, if you’re like many people, you may not have one on hand.

6. Call Your Dentist: If home methods weren’t enough to free the object, it’s time to call your dentist. Although you might be tempted to wait to see if it comes out on its own, leaving it between your teeth creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and increases the risk of additional oral health issues.

Contact Your Dentist Right Away

If you have something caught between your teeth and can’t remove it at home, contact your dentist right away for an emergency visit.

About Dr. Ahmed Saad

Dr. Saad has over 15 years of experience in dentistry. He earned his dental degree at the USC School of dentistry and remains current with the latest treatments and techniques to offer advanced services, including emergency care. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today.