What to Do When Food Gets Stuck in Your Teeth
Do you often find yourself reaching for a toothpick after meals—or worse, using something unsafe like a paperclip to get food out from between your teeth? If food frequently gets stuck in the same areas, you may be experiencing a common dental issue known as food impaction.
Food impaction becomes more common with age, especially as gums begin to recede. If this is something you deal with regularly, it’s a good idea to mention it to the dentist at your next dental visit. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about food impaction, its causes, and how it can be treated.
What Is Dental Food Impaction?
Dental food impaction occurs when food becomes lodged between your teeth or beneath the gumline. While this might seem like a minor nuisance, it can lead to discomfort, bad breath, and—in some cases—more serious issues like cavities or gum disease.
The main cause of food impaction is extra space between teeth, also known as a “food trap.”
Why Does Food Get Stuck in Teeth and Common Causes of Food Traps
Certain foods have a great tendency to get caught in between teeth or stuck between the teeth and gums. And of course, some foods are worse culprits than others and should be avoided or eaten with care. However, the type of food you eat is not the only reason food becomes lodged in your oral cavity. Food most often becomes stuck because of dental or oral health issues that create a “food trap” in the mouth. Fortunately, the most common causes of food traps, as listed below, can be addressed by your dentists at WoodSprings Dentistry.
Spacing Between Teeth: Gaps between teeth or gum recession can create areas where food easily gets stuck.
Cracked or Damaged Teeth: Cracks, chips, or decay can create crevices that trap food.
Dental Procedures: Extractions or wisdom tooth removal may leave gum flaps that catch debris as they heal.
Poorly Fitted Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown does not create a snug contact with adjacent teeth, food may become trapped in the space.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, contact our dentists in The Woodlands and Spring for a thorough evaluation and recommended treatment plan. Properly diagnosing and treating the cause of food becoming stuck in the teeth can help prevent more serious oral and dental health issues from developing in the future.
Why Food Traps Shouldn’t Be Ignored
If you’re dealing with more than the occasional popcorn kernel, persistent food traps can lead to several oral health problems:
Cavities: Trapped food feeds bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Gum Disease: Food left under the gumline can cause irritation, inflammation, and eventually gum disease.
Pain and Sensitivity: Trapped food can create pressure and irritation, leading to tenderness or pain in the gums.
Bad Breath: Decomposing food particles promote odor-causing bacteria, resulting in persistent bad breath.
How to Fix a Food Trap
In many cases, treating food impaction is simple. If the issue is caused by spacing between teeth, your dentist may recommend one of the following solutions:
Dental Filling or Crown: A filling or crown can be used to close the gap between teeth, creating a tighter contact point that still allows floss to pass through.
At-Home Maintenance: Mild food traps may not require immediate treatment if you’re able to clean them effectively on your own.
Tools to Clean Food Traps at Home
Standard flossing doesn’t always remove stuck food effectively. Here are some additional tools that may help:
Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are great for clearing debris between teeth and around dental work.
Water Flossers (Waterpiks): These devices use water pressure to flush out food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
When to Talk to Your Dentist
If food impaction is a regular concern, our dentists in The Woodlands and Spring at WoodSprings Dentistry are here to help. Let us know if you are having trouble with food getting stuck between your teeth—the dentist and dental hygienists can monitor the area at your regular visits and discuss the best treatment options for your needs. When it comes to your oral and dental health, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Book a dental appointment today and let us help you keep your smile healthy and cavity-free!