If you've noticed that a small piece of food has become wedged under your gumline, this isn't an issue that you want to ignore. Leaving the food can not only be uncomfortable, but as it begins to break down, it can create bacteria and lead to bad breath and other oral health issues. Removing food from below your gumline isn't always an easy job, but a patient approach and the right tools can often yield success. If you're repeatedly noticing that small food particles are getting trapped between your gums and teeth, speak to your dentist about this problem at your next dental appointment. Here are three ways that you can remove this food on your own.
Brush The Right Way
A toothbrush can often be effective for removing particles of food from beneath your gumline. The key is to brush the right way, though, because you don't want to push the food farther into your gums. Use a sweeping motion to brush from the gumline toward the tooth. For an issue on your lower gums, this means brushing upward; if the food is trapped under your upper gums, you'll need to brush downward. Make several gentle strokes, and then check your mouth to see if you've managed to successfully dislodge the particle of food. Take care to avoid brushing too hard, as doing so could cause discomfort.
Use A Water Flosser
If you have access to a water flosser, you can often use it to flush out any food particles that have become trapped under your gumline. This method is favorable because it doesn't cause any discomfort, although it can tickle a little. Use the water flosser according to the manufacturer's instructions, and direct the jet of water to the problem area. Keep the water at an angle so that it pushes the food particle up and out of the area, rather than drives it deeper into your gumline.
Try A Toothpick
A toothpick can work in a pinch if you're facing this issue and don't have access to a toothbrush or a water flosser. Make sure to use a new toothpick, rather than one that has been floating around your purse or your office desk drawer, and stand in front of the mirror. Be very careful as you gently push the tip of the toothpick below your gumline and attempt to lift the food. Take care to avoid jabbing your gum with the tip of the toothpick, as this will cause discomfort.
Contact a dentist, like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA, for more help.
Share4 February 2019
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.