U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
New York, NY
A 19-year-old female asked:

Can the dental floss push the food particle farther into the gums until it's no longer possible to get the food particle out unless the gum is lifted?

2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Laura Anissian
Dr. Laura Anissiananswered
Internal Medicine 23 years experience
Yes: This can happen, but not common. If you are having pain in the gum and it feels that something is in there, try gargling several times daily with luke warm water to help loosen it. If that does not work, then see your dentist for help!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
860 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Arnold Malerman
Dr. Arnold Malerman agrees1 doctor agrees
Dr. Debra Rosenblatt
Dr. Debra Rosenblattanswered
Dentistry 40 years experience
See below: Usually not, if you feel that you can not get food particulate out or the dental floss is stuck, see your dentist to have the dentist remove it. Use a dental floss such as Glide that does not fray as readily.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
854 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Thank

Related questions

A 49-year-old male asked:
Bottom right molar and gums hurt a lot. Is it infected? Can i wait until monday? Food often gets lodged between my two bottom right molars. Wisdom tooth gone, but between these two teeth there is a crach and food likes it there. I have to floss constantly
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 38-year-old member asked:
I sometimes get bleeding in the gums when flossing even though i take good care of my teeth. What else do I need to do?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A 20-year-old female asked:
I have strep on one side and on that side my guns are swollen and sensitive, so are my teeth. Can't chew. Could flossing push strep into my gums?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 31-year-old member asked:
Should gums bleed when first dental flossing?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 49-year-old member asked:
Can too much dental floss cause damage on gums?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Last updated Dec 19, 2016

Found in:

Nutrition

People also asked

I think one of my teeth has moved. Can no longer get floss between it, like before. Slightly receding gums. Has bone loss occurred? Should I worry?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
I'm interested to know what happens when you get dental floss stuck in your gums?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Why do my gums get irritated easily? I brush 2x a day, floss at night, no bleeding, have no plaque or recession bcs of regular dental cleaning, they still get irritated around the gum line, esp after flossing. Am i doing it wrong? brushing too hard?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Had a piece of food stuck in between 2 teeth. Used floss and that became stuck for hours. The next day what looked like a pimple formed on gums by t?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
3days ago i woke and my gums hurt to chew. Food is going between teeth. I brush and floss regular. Can't eat it is so painful but only when chewing?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.