Have you noticed food stuck between your teeth from time to time? As annoying as this situation can be, this minor nuisance should not be ignored. You may have developed a food impaction or have a "food impaction site" if you have difficulty removing food particles from your gums or teeth. Dental food impaction can be particularly troublesome to mature adults and seniors, especially as the teeth begin crowding or shifting in the later years of life.
About Dental Food Impaction
Oral food impaction occurs when particles of food become trapped in the teeth or gums. Dental food impaction is a common problem as small remnants or particles of food easily wedge between teeth while chewing or after eating. For some people, these particles can also become lodged or stuck under the tissue surrounding the teeth. This condition is also known as food trapping.
Although a common occurrence, if left untreated, food impaction can be painful and lead to more serious issues. Conditions that may develop as a result of food impaction include bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. A few symptoms that may alert you to this condition are pain while eating, jaw pain, inflammation and gum recession. Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should schedule an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible.
Causes of Dental Food Impaction
A few things can cause a food trap or food impaction. Some occur naturally, while specific dental treatments can cause others. The best way to determine the root cause of frequent food impaction is to consult with your dentist. Broadly speaking however, some common causes include:
Dental work that is not shaped correctly. Misshapen teeth is one of the most common causes of food traps. When a patient’s dental filling, crown or implant is not shaped to create a snug contact with the neighboring teeth, a site is created where food can wedge and stagnate over time.
Bone loss caused by gum disease. As the gum disease progresses, it may cause the jawbone and gum tissue to recede. As this occurs, pockets develop between the teeth and gums that can trap food. Even if the teeth fit snugly together, food trapping in deep gum pockets can occur if the bone and gum loss are severe enough.
Naturally occurring gaps or spaces. Some people naturally have gaps or spaces between their adult teeth. These sites allow for the trapping of fibrous foods like meat and vegetables.
Should I Be Concerned About Dental Food Impaction (Food Getting Stuck in Teeth)?
The simple answer is: yes!
Plaque and carbohydrates accumulate on teeth daily, which is a primary reason why brushing teeth daily is very important. These culprits provide a fuel supply for harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. When food debris traps between the teeth, the process of decay and inflammation happens on a much larger scale.
A single food trap can fuel harmful bacteria and cause rapid damage to teeth and gums, leading to large cavities. Tooth decay results in cavities, and gum disease results in bone loss and gum recession, which can occur very rapidly at sites where food is regularly trapped.
The good news is that there are solutions for eliminating and managing food traps.
Preventing and Treating Dental Food Impaction
To stop food impaction between your teeth, the most effective method is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces. Floss between teeth to remove lingering particles or food debris and to clean the remaining tooth surfaces (in fact, approximately 40% of the surface of your teeth cannot be reached by a tooth brush, which is why flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene).
Interdental Toothbrushes
In some cases, an interdental toothbrush may be recommended. Interdental tooth brushes are small brushes specifically designed to clean between teeth. Because tooth spacing varies from person to person, an interdental toothbrush may be helpful in oral hygiene routines for certain individuals.
Rinse With Water
Rinsing or swishing with plain water helps remove food particles when brushing teeth is not an option. If you find yourself regularly feeling food stuck between your teeth after eating, try drinking more water during and after your meal.
Consult Your Dentist
The best way to deal with persistent food trapping or impaction is to fix the root cause of the problem. If food persistently gets stuck in your mouth, talk to your dentist. Dr. Cutts can evaluate your teeth and gums, consult with you about your concerns and then recommend certain treatments that may help reduce the frequency of food impaction and alleviate symptoms that occur as a result.
Potential treatments to address food impaction include:
Replacing old fillings that may be damaged
Repairing crowns or dental work that is chipped or broken
Create better contact between teeth by filing or reshaping
Rebuild healthy gums with periodontal treatment
Do you regularly get food stuck in between your teeth or under your gums? Your routine cleaning and exam appointments are the perfect opportunity to discuss oral health issues such as food impaction. If you are looking for a dentist near you who listens first and treats patients like people (ok, like family!), schedule an appointment at The Center for Adult Dentistry today. With two convenient locations in Temecula and La Quinta, our team specializes in exceptional dental care for adults 50+ and complex cases.
Book an appointment today!