
We’ve all been there — you finish eating and suddenly feel that uncomfortable sensation of something wedged between your teeth. Whether it’s a popcorn kernel, a piece of meat, or a fruit seed, having an object stuck between your teeth can be irritating and sometimes even painful. While it might seem like a small problem, handling it the wrong way can cause damage to your teeth or gums. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if something gets stuck between your teeth and when to call your dentist for help.
Stay Calm and Avoid Using Sharp Objects
Your first instinct might be to grab something nearby — a toothpick, pen cap, or even your fingernail — to try and remove the object. But resist the urge! Using sharp or hard tools can easily injure your gums, chip your enamel, or push the object deeper into the space between your teeth.
Instead, stay calm and move on to safer, dentist-approved methods for dislodging the debris.
Start with Dental Floss
The safest and most effective way to remove something stuck between your teeth is to use dental floss.
Here’s how to do it properly:
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth — don’t force it.
- Move it up and down against the side of each tooth, curving it slightly around the base.
- Try using a gentle back-and-forth motion to work the object loose.
If regular floss isn’t doing the trick, try waxed floss, which glides more smoothly and can sometimes slip under stuck debris more easily.
If you have limited dexterity, floss picks or interdental brushes can also be helpful alternatives.
Rinse with Warm Water or Mouthwash
After flossing, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash. This can help loosen smaller particles and soothe any irritation caused by the lodged object.
If you notice slight gum tenderness or bleeding, don’t panic — that’s a normal response if the gum tissue has been irritated. However, if the bleeding continues or pain increases, it’s best to contact your dentist.
Try a Water Flosser
If the object still won’t budge, a water flosser (like a Waterpik) can be a great next step. The steady stream of water can help flush out food particles that are too stubborn for traditional flossing. Aim the water between your teeth and along your gumline to gently dislodge the debris.
Avoid using excessive pressure — gentle, steady streams are most effective and safest for your gums.
When to Call Your Dentist
If you’ve tried these methods and the object remains stuck or your gums become swollen, painful, or inflamed, it’s time to see your dentist. Persistent discomfort could indicate that the object is deeply embedded or causing infection.
Your dentist has specialized tools to safely remove the debris without damaging your teeth or gums. In some cases, they may also check for other underlying issues, like tight contacts, damaged fillings, or gum disease, that could make food impaction more likely.
Objects stuck between your teeth are common but they shouldn’t be ignored. Using safe, gentle techniques like flossing and rinsing usually solves the problem quickly. However, if pain or swelling persists, your dentist is the best person to help.
About the Author
Dr. Christopher S. Cannady is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He has taken nearly 300 hours of continuing education, including courses involving full mouth rehabilitations, occlusion, root canals, and more. Dr. Cannady is also actively involved with the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Have you suffered a dental emergency? Let us help you get back on track. Schedule an appointment online or call our Clearwater office at (772) 855-8545.