Do you have an annoying spot where food always gets stuck between your teeth? If you hesitate to enjoy foods like chicken, salad, or pineapple because you know you’re going to spend the next thirty minutes trying to pick it out of your gums, you may have a food impaction site.
The good news? We may be able to help with a range of orthodontic and restorative dentistry options in Winter Park, FL. Let’s take a look at what causes food impaction, how it can affect your oral health, and how Anderson Family Dental can help!
WHAT IS FOOD IMPACTION?
Dental food impaction is when food particles get stuck between the teeth or under the gums. In some cases, it is a mild annoyance. In others, chewing can pack more and more food into the site, creating a dense obstruction that causes intense pain and even damages the tissue.
There are a few situations that can cause food impactions.
Small gaps between the teeth.
Unusual tooth anatomy that prevents it from meeting the neighboring tooth appropriately.
Teeth that are slightly rotated or misaligned.
Gum recession that exposes the spaces between tooth roots.
Dental work that has become damaged or worn out.
Restorations that were not crafted correctly.
Fractures, cracks, or chips that affect the area where two teeth meet.
A true food impaction is when food gets tightly packed into the site, which is a little different than a food trap.
However, both issues can be annoying and even damage your oral health.
IS IT BAD IF FOOD ALWAYS GETS STUCK IN YOUR TEETH?
In short, yes.
Food traps increase your risks for:
Cavities. As food breaks down, it increases acids and feeds bacteria. Food traps keep debris pressed against your enamel where it can’t be washed away by saliva, drastically increasing your risk for cavities in that area.
Gum disease. If food gets stuck near or below your gums, it can trigger an immune response that leads to inflamed gums, the first step in gum disease. This can happen because of increased bacteria, compounds from the food itself, or even pressure where food has become densely packed.
Pain. Food impaction can lead to severe pain. Our teeth are very sensitive to pressure, especially when something presses against the side of a tooth (which is why braces get sore after they’re tightened). Severe food impactions can create intense pain in the tooth itself or the gums.
Sensitive teeth. The extra acid exposure can irritate your teeth and increase tooth sensitivity. Pressure from food impactions can also lead to exposed roots, which can likewise lead to sensitivity.
Beyond the risks to your oral health, getting food stuck in your teeth is a nuisance. Even if it’s a minor issue most of the time, it’s worth talking to our team at Anderson Family Dental so we can resolve your issue once and for all!
HOW TO STOP FOOD IMPACTION BETWEEN YOUR TEETH
Food traps aren’t something you need to put up with. There are many ways Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson may be able to fix the problem so you can eat comfortably again.
Here are some potential treatments we might recommend:
Replacing old fillings that have become damaged or washed out.
Repairing crowns or dental work that is chipped or broken.
Creating a better contact by building the tooth up with filling material.
Improving the position of your teeth with orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.
Rebuilding healthy gums with periodontal treatments.
Sealing the chewing surfaces of molars that tend to get food stuck in the grooves.
The best way to deal with a food trap is to fix it. However, we understand it may be a while before you can make it to the dentist. In the meantime, keep dental floss or floss picks with you so you can easily remove food on the go. Swishing with water can also help.
As tempting as it may be, try to avoid picking your teeth with hard objects that aren’t meant for teeth such as fingernails or pins.
No two smiles are alike, so the best way to figure out how to stop food from getting stuck between your teeth is to schedule a dental consultation with us in Winter Park, FL.
HOW CAN ANDERSON FAMILY DENTAL HELP?
At Anderson Family Dental, we’re committed to always providing the most conservative and effective treatments to keep you in the best possible oral health.
Some patients hesitate to mention problems they see as minor like food getting stuck between their teeth. We hope you always feel confident talking to us about any tooth-related issues, even if they don’t seem like a big deal! With timely intervention, we may be able to eliminate your frustration as well as prevent more serious problems.
Your routine cleaning and exam appointments are the perfect opportunity to ask us about these types of issues. Schedule your next visit to our dental office in Winter Park, FL today!
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE