With the new year in full swing, you’re probably working extra hard to establish some good habits, and we hope flossing is one of them! So, what do you do if your new and improved oral health routine accidentally takes a turn for the worse? Getting floss stuck in your teeth is frustrating but relatively normal. If you had a bit of bad luck and your floss broke or shredded, and somehow a little piece of floss is stuck, take a deep breath and let us help you through it. Here are a few simple steps you can take to safely remove floss and avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
How to Safely Remove Stuck Floss
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
You might be panicking a bit if you’ve already tried to remove the floss and have been unsuccessful. While it might feel uncomfortable, it's usually not an emergency. Floss is designed to be flexible and thin, so there’s a good chance you can remove it yourself. Take a deep breath, and check the area to see how the floss is lodged in your teeth. Is it tightly wedged? Is it tangled? Identifying the issue will help you figure out how to move forward.
2. Use a Mirror to Get a Better View
Sometimes, it’s difficult to get a clear view of what’s going on, especially if the floss is stuck in the back of your mouth. A small handheld mirror or the mirror in your bathroom can help you get a better look at the situation. You need to identify whether the floss is caught on something specific, like a filling or an irregularity in your teeth. This will not only help you get the floss out, but hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid this problem in the future.
3. Gently Wiggle the Floss
If you have a longer piece of floss stuck between your teeth, don’t pull on it aggressively. Gently move the floss back and forth in a sawing motion. Sometimes, this can help loosen the floss enough for you to pull it out without damaging your gums or teeth. Be patient. Trying to yank it out too quickly can cause discomfort or injury.
4. Use an Interdental Tool
Okay, chances are you don’t have one of these in your house, but it’s likely your best option. If the floss is wedged tightly between your teeth, caught behind your braces, or even tangled in a permanent retainer, then an interdental tool can be super helpful. If you have no idea what an interdental tool is (most people don’t), it’s a tiny cone-shaped dental brush designed to clean between teeth. These little tools can be used to gently pry the floss out. Be sure not to use too much force since you don’t want to hurt your gums!
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5. Floss Removal with Tweezers (if Necessary)
If the stuck floss isn’t long enough to wiggle and you don’t have any other dental tools available, tweezers can be a useful option. First, make sure they’re clean, and then very VERY gently grip the floss and pull it out. Tweezers with smooth tips are preferable so that you don’t injure your gums or put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. If you manage to pull some of it out but not all, then try the next technique.
6. Swish with Salt Water
If you’ve tried the options above without success, try swishing or gargling salt water. The pressure and motion of the salt water can often dislodge any leftover debris (or floss) stuck between teeth. Once you’ve successfully removed the floss, it’s also a good idea to brush and floss your teeth again after the incident, especially if the floss caused any discomfort or irritation.
7. If You Can't Remove the Floss, Seek Professional Help
In some cases, the floss might be lodged too deeply or tightly for you to remove on your own. If you’ve tried all the methods and still can’t get the floss out, it’s time to call your dentist. They have the correct tools and experience to safely remove the floss without causing any damage to your teeth or gums. It might seem silly, but which is worse: stopping by your dentist’s office for a 5-minute visit and getting immediate relief, or coming in weeks later because the floss is still stuck?
Tips to Prevent Floss From Getting Stuck
Though it’s helpful to know how to remove floss if it gets stuck, preventing the problem in the first place is even better. Here are a few tips to help you avoid this frustrating situation:
Switch to Slate
The Slate Flosser is designed to make flossing easier and faster. Instead of fighting with string floss (that may or may not get wedged between your teeth), try using the roll and sweep technique with the Slate Flosser. Our sonic vibrations help the floss slide between teeth easily and remove plaque more effectively than string floss.
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Use Quality Floss
If you’re still using string floss, choose floss that is strong, durable, and safe. Check out this Consumer Reports article on how to pick chemical-free dental floss and make an educated choice!
Be Gentle
When flossing, avoid using excessive force. Gently guide the floss between your teeth and never snap it down between contacts. Using too much force can cause it to get stuck or tear.
Floss Regularly
Flossing regularly plays a major role in minimizing the amount of plaque and debris in your mouth. The more buildup between your teeth, the more likely your floss is to get trapped.
Getting floss stuck in your teeth can be a frustrating experience, but with a little patience and the right techniques, you can usually remove it safely. If you do encounter this issue, start by gently wiggling the floss, use interdental tools or tweezers if necessary, and rinse your mouth afterward. Remember, if the floss remains stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for help!
By following these steps and practicing proper flossing techniques, we hope you can keep your oral hygiene routine smooth and stress-free.
