Food Traps: 6 Reasons Why Food Frequently Gets Stuck Between Teeth
- Mar 16 2023
Everyone experiences the uncomfortable sensation of getting food stuck between their teeth at some point. Some foods, like popcorn kernels, broccoli, and spinach, are more likely than others to remain in your teeth. If you experience this regularly, however, you may have a food trap. Learn more about what can cause a food trap below.
What is a food trap?
A food trap is a gap between your teeth where food can get stuck. Matter in these food traps can be difficult to reach, even with flossing. In some instances, you may not feel the food particles.
Food traps can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and more. Following are 6 reasons why food can get stuck between your teeth.
1. Spacing Issues
One of the most common reasons why food may remain stuck between your teeth is if you have spacing issues. Spacing between teeth, called open contact, is when there are gaps between two adjacent teeth.
Gaps can occur naturally as your teeth shist or they can be the result of chipping, worn down fillings or missing teeth.
2. Cavities
Cavities can also cause food traps. If you notice that food gets stuck in one spot often, you may have a hidden cavity.
Cavities can trap food particles, allowing bacteria to grow and making the problem worse. Starch and sugar films can create plaque, which eats away at your tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and creating holes between or in teeth.
3. Mouth Disease
Mouth disease can also lead to getting food stuck between your teeth. Periodontal disease can cause the loss of bone or teeth and can lead to serious dental problems.
Some of the symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Sore gums
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Painful chewing
- Poor tooth alignment
When food gets stuck between teeth, it can lead to further bacterial growth, making the disease worse. Mouth disease is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss as well as issues that affect your whole body.
4. Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures, like the removal of a wisdom tooth, can create flaps in the gums where food can get stuck. Some flaps recede on their own, while others may require further dental work.
5. Damaged Fillings or Crowns
Fillings or crowns that have damage or that do not fit correctly can also lead to food traps. Many times, crowns and fillings that hang over the tooth can create gaps for food particles.
6. Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that were not able to fully emerge from the gum. They can be difficult to brush and floss, making it easier for food to remain stuck.
What To Do About Food Traps
If you notice that you regularly find food particles stuck between your teeth, the first thing to remember is to brush and floss your teeth a few times each day. Even if you do not feel food particles in your teeth, try to floss after every meal.
If you notice that flossing and brushing cannot remove food particles, turning to a professional is the best course of action.
Visit the Experts
If you struggle with food traps, it is important to contact a dentist quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Payam Cohen, D.D.S., P.C. in Queens, NY, offers the dental services you need to get to the bottom of your food trap problem.
Payam Cohen, D.D.S., P.C. offers root canals, cosmetic work, periodontal therapy, and more to keep your teeth looking and feeling great. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Categories: General Dentistry