How do you get out stuff stuck between teeth?

[watervole]

I got something caught between two of my back teeth last night. I've attacked it with floss, I've tried toothpicks, I've tried waxed paper - and still I can't shift it.  I know from experience that the gum is going to get very sore if I can't remove it.  (floss slides right past it - it's caught in a crack or something in the actual tooth)

Any suggestions?

Comments

[emmzzi.livejournal.com]

tweezers. toothpick.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Can't seem to get a grip on it with tweezers. Not enough fibre and it's at the back where I can't see it. Still, it was worth trying and it it loosens at all, I'll try them again.

[frostfox.livejournal.com]

I've had to have an emergency dental appointment before now.

Worse was Confabulation when I had a sliver of popcorn corn husk down between gum and tooth. When the dentist got it out it looked for all the world like a tiny cat's claw. And just as sharp and as bloody.

You have my sympathy.

FF, home for difficult teeth since 1963

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I was planning on having that particular tooth out as soon as I could afford it. I think I may have to bring that forward.

[frostfox.livejournal.com]

My teeth are appalling, and what ticks me off most is that I look after them so well.
Brush, floss, mouthwash, dental check up twice a year, I always have done. And they are still crap. It's most frustrating. And often painful.

FF

[mabiana.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if that works better than the waxed paper, but if you have (photo) negatives you can live without, you could try cutting off a strip and try to remove it with that.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Hadn't thought of that one. Managed to find some old negatives, which worked better than wax paper, but still didn't shift whatever it is.

I must remember that trick for the future.

[emmzzi.livejournal.com]

longer term I hear these are quite good.

http://www.auravita.com/products/AURA/WAPI10030.asp

might help you save a tooth..?

[emmzzi.livejournal.com]

oops..should say boots online have them too.

[ex-the-major316.livejournal.com]

Gargle with oil and try and shift it a little? I'm told an oil mouth wash is very good at soothing gums which might help a little til you get it out.

I hope you get it gone quickly.

[purple-peril.livejournal.com]

You need an interdental brush like these things:
http://www.toothbrushdirect.co.uk/shop.php?CategoryID=35
You can usually get them in supermarkets and Boots etc.
I never go anywhere without mine!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good idea in general, though they won't solve this particular problem. This thing is wedged tight. It isn't a pip, but it feels a bit like one.

[frandowdsofa.livejournal.com]

I keep packets of little disposable devices which are plastic toothpicks, but at one end there is a u-shape with a bit of floss between the prongs. They're useful while you're out and about, a bit more discreet than flossing, easier on the fingers to use, cleaner, you can get a lot more variety in angles, and they're easier to use with the back teeth.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I've got a pack of those - they're wonderful and get a lot of stuff that used to give me problems. Still can't shift this particular problem though...

[hawkida.livejournal.com]

You could try chewing gum. It breaks down and becomes very soft and can get into the same gaps any other food, pips and so on can.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Tried that yesterday, but it still might be worth another shot tomorrow.

[philbradley.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a visit to the dentist is going to be the easiest option to be honest. If you just turn up and beg they'll usually fit you in somewhere, especially if you say that it's not an emergency filling or wotnot.