Food is stuck between my molar and bicuspid

[Cyborger]

For awhile a part of my gums between my molar and bicuspid was swollen. I didn't know what was causing the swelling so I kept brushing and paying special attention to that part of my gums. As the swelling went down I discovered that a popcorn shell was stuck between them. I managed to pluck it out and since then I have not eaten any more popcorn for weeks. That is until... tonight. I once again ate popcorn when I knew I shouldn't have. And now I think the same thing has happened again. Only this time I also ate half a hamburger behind the popcorn so I'm not sure if it's a shell or just regular food particles that will disintegrate. Does anyone have any options for me? I've tried floss and toothpicks and they don't work. Should I go see my ortho or should I wait a few days to see if it really is a popcorn shell again? Or is there a technique for getting whatever it is from between my teeth that I can do right now?

[TMJJill]

If it is bothering you, it couldn't hurt to call your ortho. I love my water pik for things like that. If you continue to have problems, it might be worth the investment.

[klobird]

Popcorn hulls can get under the gumline and cause an infection. You should get it checked out...
I was getting really close to trying popcorn for the first time since braces---but not now!!!
And I want it soooo bad....!!!!

Good luck--and stay away from the popcorn!

[artichokeenthusiast]

Wow...is this an issue that is particular to braces? I was an avid popcorn lover before the braces and it never happened to me. I hope your problem gets resolved quickly, Cyborger!

[Cyborger]

[quote="TMJJill"]If it is bothering you, it couldn't hurt to call your ortho.[/quote]

It's not bothering me due to pain or discomfort. Mainly just the thought of something being stuck there (again) is getting to me. I don't know if I want to bother them about food stuck between my teeth.

[quote="TMJJill"]I love my water pik for things like that. If you continue to have problems, it might be worth the investment.[/quote]

I see those all the time. I think it would be wise to get one the next time I'm out.

[quote="artichokeenthusiast"]Wow...is this an issue that is particular to braces? I was an avid popcorn lover before the braces and it never happened to me. I hope your problem gets resolved quickly, Cyborger![/quote]

This has only happened to me after I was given those molar bands. Before then I had never had any problem with popcorn.

[NICURN85]

I usually use my waterpik to blast everything out and it works. It gets things out that you thought you had got with the floss! I would say it would be a great investment and you will love it!!

[Mirai404]

At the meantime... rinse with warm salt water to calm your gums down. one teaspoon of salt water + 500mL warm water. rinse about 3-4 times a day.

[katsface]

I get stuff (like LOTS of food!) stuck in between a crown that's over my first molar, and the tooth behind it. Happens every time I eat. Its funny, b/c you can't even see a gap, there's just enough space to cram half of my lunch in there lol.

There are a bunch of flossing tooth picks available at drug stores that are good for removing debris like popcorn shells and other food. I particularly like the GUM plastic tooth picks that have little rubberized bristles at the end. They're gentle, and the little bristles will catch things like popcorn shells. You can pick them up from a drugstore for five bucks or so.

Don't cheap out though. The hard plastic generic toothpicks are rubbish, and will do more harm than good.

Hope that helps!