Occasionally getting food between your teeth is normal, but repeatedly trapping food in the same location may indicate a dental issue.
Possible causes include spaces between teeth, gum recession, tooth movement, the shape of a filling or crown, cavities, or changes in the contact between neighbouring teeth.
Repeated food impaction can irritate the gums and make the area uncomfortable. It may also make it harder to keep the site clean.
Floss or an interdental brush can help remove trapped food, but if the problem occurs at nearly every meal, have the area assessed.
Avoid using sharp objects to remove food because they can injure your gums or damage dental work.
Your dentist can examine the teeth and determine whether treatment is necessary or whether changes to your cleaning technique may solve the problem.
If food consistently gets stuck between particular teeth, mention it during your next visit to Port Moody Smile Dental.