Dealing with something stuck in your gums can range from mildly irritating to extremely uncomfortable. It could be a small fish bone stuck in gum, a piece of pepper stuck under the gum line, or food stuck between your teeth causing gum swelling. Below, we provide detailed guidance on how to handle such situations and when to seek professional help.
1. Assess the Problem Carefully
When you feel like something is stuck in your gums, such as a fish bone in your gums or food stuck in the back of your mouth, start by identifying the problem. Gently run your tongue over the affected area to locate the item, but avoid poking with sharp objects like toothpicks, as this can worsen the situation.
If you notice a sharp bone sticking out of your gum after wisdom tooth extraction, or if you feel like something is stuck in your gums but can’t see it, use a clean mirror and good lighting to inspect. This step helps prevent further injury by identifying the exact problem.
2. Rinse Thoroughly with Warm Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help dislodge small particles like food stuck between teeth and gums or a popcorn hull stuck under the gum. Salt water acts as a natural antiseptic, reducing swelling and soothing irritated gums.
How to do it:
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the affected area.
- Repeat as necessary, especially if food particles stuck in gums are causing pain.
3. Use Dental Floss Gently
Dental floss is an excellent tool for removing items like chips stuck in gums behind teeth or food stuck under the gum line. However, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid aggravating sore gums.
Steps:
- Take a piece of floss and gently slide it between the teeth near the affected gum.
- Use a back-and-forth motion to remove food particles stuck in gums.
- Be cautious to avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this could cause further irritation or bleeding.
4. Try a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is a safe and effective way to dislodge items like small fish bones stuck in gums or food particles stuck in gums.
Tips for Effective Brushing:
- Brush in gentle, circular motions around the affected area.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure, as it can push the object deeper into the gum.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward to check if the object has been removed.
5. Use a Dental Pick or Water Flosser
For stubborn particles like food stuck between teeth causing gum pain or a chip stuck in the roof of your mouth, a dental pick or water flosser can be incredibly helpful.
How to Use Them:
- Dental Pick: Use a sterile, plastic dental pick to gently remove visible debris. Avoid metal picks that can damage enamel or gums.
- Water Flosser: Direct the water jet to the affected area. The water pressure helps dislodge food stuck in back of mouth or food particles stuck under gums.
6. Seek Professional Help for Persistent Issues
Sometimes, issues like bone spurs in gums or food stuck inside gums cannot be resolved at home. If you experience sharp pain, swelling, or persistent discomfort, it’s best to visit a dentist.
When to See a Dentist:
- A sharp bone sticking out of gum after wisdom tooth extraction.
- Persistent swelling or pain due to food stuck between teeth and gums.
- Difficulty removing a fish bone stuck in your gum or a popcorn hull stuck under gum.
At Ifantis Dental Care, we have the tools and expertise to safely remove items like bone spurs or food stuck in gums painlessly.
7. Avoid DIY Remedies for Severe Cases
While it’s tempting to try at-home solutions for issues like bone fragments in gums or teeth stuck in gums, improper methods can cause damage. For example, trying to remove a bone spur in gum treatment at home may result in gum injury.
Always consult with your dentist for complex cases, such as sharp bone fragments or severe food stuck in teeth gum swelling.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Items Getting Stuck in Gums
- Chew Slowly and Carefully: Chew food thoroughly to reduce the risk of sharp items like fish bones in your gums or chips stuck in the gum.
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing prevent food particles from accumulating and causing gum irritation.
- Use a Water Flosser: A water flosser is particularly useful for dislodging food stuck under gum lines and cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid Sticky or Sharp Foods: If you wear dentures or have recently had dental surgery, avoid foods that can cause gum stuck in teeth or food stuck in back of mouth.
When to Visit Ifantis Dental Care in Morton Grove, IL
If you’ve tried these tips and still experience issues like:
- Persistent pain from something stuck in gums.
- Difficulty removing sharp objects like fish bones or bone spurs in gums.
- Food stuck between teeth causing gum swelling or irritation.
We’re here to help! Contact Ifantis Dental Care today for expert advice and professional dental care to keep your gums healthy and pain-free.
Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let discomfort linger—our Morton Grove dental team can help you get relief quickly and safely. Call us today to book your appointment!