Food stuck in the gums or teeth poses numerous problems. For one, such food will look a bit ridiculous, especially in the front of the mouth. If you part your lips to smile and onlookers see a piece of food stuck in your gums or teeth, you will be quite embarrassed (assuming they point it out). Furthermore, food stuck in the gums and teeth speeds up the tooth decay process.
Add in the fact that food in the gums causes bad breath. Thus, it is easy to understand why people go to great lengths in an attempt to remove it. However, some methods for food removal are better than others.
If food sticks in your gums and causes them to bleed, go ahead and rinse out your mouth with salt water. Rinsing will soothe your gums, eliminate the blood and provide you a view of the food in your gums or teeth. Grab some waxed floss that can slide in and out between your gums, teeth and the food particles with ease.
Wax floss is an effective and safe means of removing food from the gums or teeth since it can move in tight spaces better than the non-waxed variety. Move the floss around the piece of food to dislodge it. If you endure pain when flossing, it is an indication there might be a dental infection. If this is the case, the assistance of a dentist will prove vitally important.
So do not resort to toothpicks or other pointed tools to free up the food caught in your gums. A wood toothpick might crack and leave a splinter in your gums, making the problem that much worse. Opt for waxed dental floss and you will likely find the piece of food can be removed with considerable ease.
Water flossers or irrigators will likely loosen the food particle if floss does not get the job done. If you are not sure about the proper operation of a water flosser, be sure to read the instructions and/or watch an instructional video on YouTube to ensure your technique is on point.
If you have your toothbrush within reach, use it in an attempt to knock the food free from your gums. The soft bristles of the toothbrush just might push out the piece of food stuck to your gums and/or teeth. After removing the piece of food, add some toothpaste to your brush and brush your teeth to get rid of all remaining food particles.
Gargle with salt water and you will find it washes your mouth to the point that some bits of food are jostled free. Rinsing with mouthwash will also help. Just be sure to swish the liquid around with considerable force for at least 30 seconds.
Please call Smiles in the Village Dentistry today at (317) 575-6101!
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