Trapped Objects

When we eat food debris can become trapped between teeth and are difficult to remove by flossing or brushing teeth. While eating unforeseen objects such as a piece of metal may also be present and become stuck in the gum tissue or tongue.

Although people are firmly recommended against using their teeth as tools for biting off cotton and plastic, they may still do so and this can result in a trapped object between the teeth.

While professional teeth cleaning and scaling can remove debris trapped between teeth or below the gum line, emergency dental care is often needed to remove trapped objects that can damage the teeth and gums.

Children are at risk of getting an object trapped in their mouths while they play and explore all the items around them. Vulnerable adults are also at risk as are those who use their teeth to open lids and chew pens.

Soft tissue damage caused by a trapped object can range from mild to severe. An object can become trapped in the jaw, cheek and gums. Dental breaks, avulsion and wisdom teeth impaction also raise the threat of teeth becoming trapped within the jaw bone.

Tooth damage and oral infection can arise if the object is left trapped in the mouth and symptoms range from mild irritation to severe pain. Mild symptoms can escalate into trauma and extreme pain, requiring emergency dental care to eliminate the pain. Untreated cases of trapped objects in the mouth can even escalate into medical emergencies.

If head injury or concussion occurs with an object trapped in the mouth, it is vital to receive emergency medical treatment as priority. Oral surgeons are available within medical environments to remove trapped objects from the face and mouth.

Trying to remove a stubbornly trapped object on your own can result in further damage, infection and pain. If the object will not come out with gentle flossing or mouth rinsing, emergency dental care is the best option to reduce the risk of infection. This will also relieve painful symptoms or feelings of discomfort.

A dentist will normally desensitise the area to begin with and then use dental floss to gently leverage the trapped object out of the mouth. However, the type of treatment provided will depend on the severity of the trapped object and oral condition. Surgery can sometimes be the only option.

Professional dental screening allows the damage to be evaluated for proper dental care. As individuals cannot see within their own mouths it is essential to have a professional dentist assess the condition for safe removal of any trapped object.

Emergency Dental Care for Trapped Objects

Individuals are sometimes successful at removing objects trapped between the teeth or in the mouth. However, if the object is not coming loose with gentle persuasion emergency dental care should be sought to avoid oral trauma.

The longer the item remains trapped in the mouth the more plaque and bacteria can form on and around the object. An emergency dentist is trained and experienced in providing assessment and recommending treatment to remove the trapped object.

Pain can escalate if infection is present and so it is better to receive professional care sooner rather than later. Sleeping with a trapped object in the mouth will raise the potential of choking and obstructed airways.

Staying calm and phoning an emergency dentist, or having someone phone on your behalf, if an object becomes trapped in the mouth is the safer option. Dentists have the option of sedation treatment if patients are anxious, which will put the person in a safe state of relaxation during treatment for oral trauma.

Preventing Oral Trauma from Trapped Objects

The main way to prevent oral trauma is to be careful, particularly where physical contact is experienced, such as at work or during sports. Wearing a mouth guard helps in protecting the mouth from damage.

Not using teeth as tools to remove lids or simply chew items like pens or pencils will reduce the chances of oral trauma from a trapped object in the mouth. Proper oral hygiene also prevents debris build-up where objects can stick to or become stuck between teeth.

Using pins or paper clips to scratch tartar or brown teeth stains from the tooth surface is not advised and is dangerous to dental enamel and structure. Implements may easily slip and become trapped in the soft tissues of the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips and face.

Using an electric toothbrush and having professional teeth cleaning help to remove debris from below the gum line. Dentists have the proper implements to safely removed trapped debris from beneath the gum line and surrounding teeth.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene at home, having professional teeth cleaning to remove debris in difficult to reach areas of the mouth, visiting the dentist for regular appointments and seeking proper dental care are essential to aid in the prevention of an oral trauma.

Accessing Dental Care

Our clinic is open for regular and emergency dental appointments for issues such as trapped objects in the mouth. Get in touch with us by phone or email and a member of our friendly team will make an appointment for you.

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