Of all the dental emergencies that can occur, having food stuck between your teeth is unlikely to require a same-day appointment. In most cases, you can remove the object with dental floss without incident. However, certain foods are much harder to dislodge and can create a problem for your oral health if left untreated. Keep reading to find out which ones you should avoid and why flossing regularly is essential for a healthy smile.
Which Foods Are the Worst to Have Stuck Between Your Teeth?
Choosing the right foods isn’t just about making sure your body is properly fueled or your jeans fit comfortably. It’s also about giving your smile the best chance of avoiding serious injury or decay.
While emergency dentists are great to have on standby should a sudden incident occur, why not avoid the following foods and avoid the potential of needing urgent professional help:
- Popcorn. When consumed without copious amounts of butter, popcorn can be a healthy snack to include in your diet. However, its hulls can easily become lodged between your teeth and gums without you realizing it. If left unnoticed or untreated, it can cause an infection.
- Seeds. There are plenty of foods that contain different types of seeds (i.e., muffins, salads, bagels, berries, etc.). Although tasty, they can wedge themselves between your teeth and underneath your gumline.
- Crackers. It may be difficult to grasp why crackers are so bad for your teeth, but the truth is they contain high amounts of starch and can encourage bad bacteria to thrive, leading to tooth decay. The small particles, when chewed, can become stuck between teeth and on chewing surfaces.
- Meat. Steaks can be great sources of protein, making for a delicious meal, yet many cuts contain thin strands that can become lodged between your teeth. This is also true for pork, fish, and other similar products.
How to Address Food That is Stuck Between Teeth
While it would be easy to say that you should never eat the above-mentioned foods, this is simply unrealistic. Avoiding them as much as you can is helpful, but should you begin to crave a tub of popcorn or a hearty steak on date night, make sure to take the appropriate steps to safeguard your smile. You can:
- Carry a small dental hygiene kit in your purse or bag. Include a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste as well as dental floss, mouthwash, and a compact mirror.
- When possible, try to cut up your food into smaller bites instead of biting down into larger pieces that require you to tear it with your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water to help rinse out your mouth and soften anything that might be stuck between your teeth.
- If food becomes lodged, rinse before using dental floss to gently remove the object. Using anything else, like forks or toothpicks can cause a dental emergency and immediate care.
No matter what you choose to eat, it’s always best to be prepared. Keeping floss on hand as well as your emergency dentist on speed dial will ensure your smile remains damage-free day after day.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice offers emergency dentistry to individuals requiring immediate dental assistance. While having food stuck between your teeth is usually not an urgent matter, it can quickly become one if the wrong approach is taken. If you or a loved one needs help to remove a stubborn piece of food from your teeth and/or gums, call our office or visit our website.