Overview
Everyone has had something get stuck between their teeth, but these objects usually come out with a little flossing. However, some objects can refuse to budge, causing discomfort and pressure on your teeth.
What to know
If you have a piece of food or an object wedged between your tooth, use dental floss to try to gently remove it. Try to use waxed dental floss; the smooth, waxy coating allows the floss to comfortably slide between your child’s teeth. Don’t force the floss between your child’s teeth, as this can injure their gums. Avoid using any type of sharp or pointed implement (including toothpicks).
If you have access to a water flosser, you can use it to try to dislodge the object stuck in their mouth. Another option is to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Sometimes, the pressure of the water is enough to dislodge the object or shift its position so you can remove it with floss.
When to seek care
Seek emergency dental care if you can’t remove the object from your teeth. While you don’t need immediate care (unless you’re in extreme distress), it’s best for your oral health to remove the stuck object as soon as possible. We have special tools to help us safely and comfortably remove the stuck object.
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