Food Stuck in Wisdom Tooth Hole: Causes, Risks and Solutions

If you recently removed your wisdom teeth, you may wonder how to deal with food stuck in wisdom tooth hole. It is a common problem that can cause discomfort, bad breath, and infection if improperly handled.

Also Read: Can I Drink Coffee After Tooth Extraction?

Do I Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The third set of molars that usually come between the ages of 17 and 25 are wisdom teeth. They are often impacted, meaning they need more room to grow. It can cause pain, swelling, and other complications. Therefore, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems.

Everyone doesn’t need to undergo wisdom teeth removal. Some people have enough space to grow normally or do not cause any symptoms. If you are unsure whether to remove your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist.

Caring for Your Wound Immediately After Surgery

After wisdom teeth removal, you will have one or more holes in your gums. These holes are called sockets and will gradually heal over time. However, they are also vulnerable to infection and irritation.

Therefore, it is essential to follow these steps to care for your wound immediately after surgery:

Ask your surgeon whether sutures were used. If you have non-dissolvable sutures, make sure you know when and how to get them removed.
Avoid contact with the wound for the remainder of the day. Do not touch, poke, or probe the wound with your tongue, fingers, or foreign objects.
Rinse very gently with saltwater for the first 48 hours. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. Do this several times daily.
Do not use fingers or any foreign objects to remove food.
Avoid smoking and using straws. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Using straws can create suction that can dislodge the blood clot.

How Long Does It Take for the Hole to Close Up?

The amount of time it takes to heal from a wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors such as age, health, oral hygiene, and the extent of the surgery. Typically, it takes around six weeks for the hole to close fully.

However, you can still resume your regular diet and habits right away. You still need to be careful with what you eat and drink.

Here are some tips to speed up recovery:

Sticking to a soft food diet for at least one week is essential after your surgery.
Avoid hot and spicy foods that can cause inflammation or a burning sensation in the wound.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out any debris from your mouth.
Take painkillers as prescribed by your surgeon or dentist. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, which can thin your blood and increase bleeding.
Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 15 minutes every few hours for the first two days after surgery.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping or resting for the first few days after surgery.
Follow the instructions given by your surgeon or dentist regarding oral hygiene.

Also Read: Foods That Cause Ear Wax: All You Need to Know

How Can I Tell if Food is Stuck in the Hole?

Sometimes, it may be hard to tell whether food is stuck in a wisdom tooth hole.

Here are some signs that can indicate that you have food trapped in the socket:

You see it. If you look closely at the hole with a mirror and a flashlight, you may see some food particles or debris in the socket.
You smell it. If you have food stuck in a wisdom tooth hole, you may notice a foul odour coming from your mouth.
You feel it. If you have food stuck in a wisdom tooth hole, you may feel discomfort, pain or pressure in the wound area.
What may look like food needs to be. Sometimes, what you see in the hole is not food but something else. For example, it could be a piece of bone, a tooth fragment or a blood clot. Refrain from trying to remove these things by yourself.

What Happens If Food Gets Stuck In Wisdom Tooth Hole?

If food gets stuck in wisdom tooth hole and is not removed promptly and correctly, it can cause several problems such as:

Foul odour
Prolonged healing time
Discomfort

8 Tips to Remove Food Stuck in Wisdom Tooth Hole

If you suspect that you have food stuck in a wisdom tooth hole, do not panic. There are some safe and effective ways to remove it without harming your wound or causing more problems.

Here are some tips:

Saltwater Rinse

It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove food stuck in wisdom tooth holes. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. Do this several times daily.

Herbal Tea Rinse

Herbal tea rinse is another natural way to remove food. Brew some chamomile, peppermint, or green tea and let it cool down slightly. Swish it around your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out.

Mouthwash Rinse

You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove food stuck in the wisdom tooth hole. Choose a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, as these ingredients can help kill bacteria and prevent infection. Swish it around your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out.

Natural Mouth Rinses

Using ingredients such as baking soda, you can make natural mouth rinses to remove food stuck in wisdom tooth holes. These ingredients can help neutralise the pH level of your mouth and prevent bacterial growth. However, use them sparingly and dilute them with water.

Warm Water Syringe

If you have access to a warm water syringe (a small plastic device that can squirt water into your mouth), you can use it to remove food stuck in wisdom tooth holes. Fill the syringe with warm water and aim it at the socket. Gently squeeze the syringe to squirt water into the hole and flush out any food particles.

Spray the Bottle with Warm Water

If you do not have a warm water syringe, you can use a spray bottle with warm water to remove food stuck in the wisdom tooth hole. Fill the spray bottle with warm water and adjust the nozzle to a fine mist. Spray the water into your mouth and aim it at the socket from about an inch away. Do this several times daily.

Oral Pulsating Irrigator

An oral pulsating irrigator (also known as a water flosser or a water pick) is a device that can shoot a stream of water into your mouth with varying pressure and speed. You can use it to remove food stuck in wisdom tooth holes effectively and gently.

Fill the reservoir with warm water and attach the tip to the device. Set the pressure to low or medium and aim the tip at the socket from about an inch away. Turn on the device, let the water flow into the hole, and flush out any food particles or debris.

Gentle Brush

You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food stuck in the wisdom tooth hole carefully and gently. Wet the toothbrush with warm water and gently brush the area around the socket, avoiding direct contact with the wound.

Cotton Swab

Another way to remove food stuck in wisdom tooth holes is to use a cotton swab dipped in warm water or saline solution. Dab the cotton swab on the socket and wipe away any food particles or debris.

How Can I Prevent Food from Getting Stuck in a Wisdom Tooth Hole?

The best way to prevent food from getting stuck in wisdom tooth holes is to avoid eating foods that can get trapped in the socket.

Here are some tips to prevent food from getting stuck in wisdom tooth holes:

Don’t chew near the hole.
Rinse your mouth after eating.
Eat a soft food diet after removal.
Avoid hot and spicy foods that can cause inflammation or a burning sensation in the wound.
Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and flush out any debris from your mouth.
Avoid any suction activities that can create negative pressure in your mouth and dislodge the blood clot.
Stay away from alcohol that can dehydrate your mouth and interfere with healing.
Do not consume small foods that can quickly get into the socket and cause problems.

When Should I Talk with My Doctor?

Most of the time, food stuck in wisdom tooth holes is not a severe problem and can be resolved with proper care and hygiene. However, sometimes it can lead to complications such as infection, dry socket or delayed healing.

Therefore, you should talk with your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

Severe pain that does not improve with painkillers
Excessive bleeding that does not stop with pressure
Swelling that does not go down with ice packs
Redness, pus or foul odour from the wound
Fever, chills or malaise
Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
Numbness or tingling in your lips, chin or tongue
Any other unusual or concerning changes in your wound or general health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the White Thing Stuck in my Wisdom Tooth Hole?

The white thing stuck in your wisdom tooth hole may be a blood clot, a piece of bone, a tooth fragment or a piece of food. Do not try to remove it alone, as it may be part of the healing process and should be left alone. If you need to figure out what it is, consult your doctor.

Will Food Stuck in Gum Dissolve?

Food stuck in the gum will not dissolve on its own. It may rot and attract bacteria that can cause infection and bad breath. You need to remove it using one of the methods discussed earlier in this article.

How Long After a Wisdom Hole Can You Eat?

You can eat after a wisdom hole, but you must be careful with what you eat and how you eat. For at least a week after surgery, eat only soft foods that are easy to swallow and digest. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy foods.

Conclusion

Food stuck in wisdom tooth holes is a common problem that can cause discomfort, bad breath and infection if not handled properly. However, it can be prevented and removed with proper care and hygiene.

Follow the tips in this article to keep your wound clean and healthy and avoid complications. Ask your doctor for advice and guidance.

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