It’s not uncommon for both kids and adults to get food stuck in between occasionally. In fact, this is common with several types of food. However, if you find that your kid gets food stuck in the same places almost every time he eats, he may have something called a food trap. While this may sound like a minor inconvenience, your pediatric dentist in Olathe wants you to know that a food trap could cause problems. 

What Causes a Food Trap? 

A food trap can be caused by a number of things, some of which should be diagnosed and treated by your pediatric dentist in Olathe. The most common causes of a food trap include: 

• Gaps

Larger gaps in between teeth provide a great place for pieces of food to hide. As your little one’s teeth are erupting, it can cause others to shift over time and cause gaps. Your pediatric dentist may suggest some type of orthodontic solution such as traditional braces or certain types of cosmetic dentistry. 

• Cavities

Cavities cause tiny holes in teeth where both bacteria and food can get stuck. The longer a cavity goes untreated, the bigger it can get and the more problems it can cause. However, getting a cavity filled is often an easy treatment that you shouldn’t put off.  

• Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when there’s an infection in the gum tissue. This can create pockets between teeth and up into the gums. Again, these small spaces give food a nice place to get stuck. Gum disease can be serious and can lead to other problems so it’s important to catch it early while treatment is still often successful. 

It’s important to talk with your pediatric dentist about any dental problems your child may have, including if food gets stuck in his teeth, so they can take a closer look and help prevent additional concerns. 

Food Traps Can Be Dangerous

Even if your child brushes his teeth twice a day, if food particles are lingering around between teeth all day long, they can feed mouth bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay and other problems. This is why it’s so important to brush and floss regularly. If you do notice a piece of food stuck in your child’s teeth, try to remove it as soon as possible. 

How to Remove Food From Between Teeth

When your child is dealing with a pesky piece of food wedged in between his teeth, you’ll use almost anything to get it out. However, your pediatric dentist in Olathe recommends that you only use dental floss or a toothbrush. These tools are designed to be gentle, yet effective, and reduce the risk of damage. If you have something that’s really stuck, call your pediatric dentist to schedule a quick visit. 

We always recommend that our patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove bacteria, plaque, and leftover food particles that have accumulated throughout the day. Practicing good oral hygiene habits can help prevent food traps and keep teeth protected. 

We’re always accepting new patients at all of our pediatric dentist offices in Johnson County and throughout the Kansas City area including in Overland Park, Prairie Village, Olathe, and Kansas City.