Most people are familiar with the sensation of a popcorn kernel sliding beneath their gums or between their teeth. If you’re unable to clear the debris with your fingernail, you might feel tempted to use other common household supplies, such as toothpicks, to pry it out.
However, this can damage your teeth or gums, potentially requiring an emergency dental appointment for repair. Continue reading to learn more about the potential risks of using toothpicks in this way and how your dentist can help address the initial issue!
Can Toothpicks Hurt My Teeth?
Perhaps because they’re called ‘toothpicks’, plenty of people assume that these small wooden sticks can safely remove stuck objects from their teeth or gums. While you might be able to successfully remove larger bits of food from your grin, the truth is that the small, pointy instruments can also potentially cause harm.
For example, you might inadvertently pierce or lacerate the tender tissues inside your mouth, which makes oral issues, like gum disease or other infections, more likely. You might also accidentally push the trapped item more deeply between your teeth or into the pocket of your gums, making it that much harder to reach or remove safely. Furthermore, the toothpick itself might fray at the ends or break, which can cause splinters or introduce unhealthy bacteria to your mouth.
How Can I Safely Remove Objects Stuck in My Smile?
Many dentists ask that patients avoid using household items, such as toothpicks, knives, forks, or other utensils, to remove anything stuck in their smiles because of the potential for harm. Thankfully, there are other ways you might try to get rid of the object more gently.
For example, you can try rinsing your mouth out with water, as the swishing motion can sometimes be helpful in freeing trapped items. If that’s not helpful, you can also gently floss between your teeth or below your gums to hopefully clear whatever’s wedged there without damaging your enamel or connective tissues.
Do I Need to Schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment?
If you’re unable to successfully remove whatever’s decided to stick to your smile, then it’s time to contact your emergency dentist. Many of them offer same-day appointments so that if you have trapped food or some other object in your teeth, you don’t have to wait long for relief. Then, they’ll examine your mouth to determine the extent of the harm done, if any, and provide an appropriate treatment plan if needed.
Thankfully, your dentist has the experience and state-of-the-art equipment needed to safely remove any trapped material in your teeth while safeguarding your smile!
About the Practice
Patients at Smile Castle Rock benefit from two providers with decades of combined experience. Dr. Radz, an accomplished general and cosmetic dentist, collaborates with Dr. Thompson, a skilled sleep dentist, to provide a complete menu of quality services, including same-day emergency visits. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize advanced technology to devise and deliver accurate, comfortable treatments that deliver lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (303) 663-9600.