Why is food always stuck between my crown and tooth next to it?

Question

I floss after every time I eat and it feels like I’m not getting it all out. Kind of like it’s still stuck in there. My gums are swollen just in that part of my mouth. When I floss there the floss smells bad and when I touch my gums and put pressure they start to bleed. I’ve had this crown for years, I’ve just noticed this food problem after I got my teeth cleaned last month. I’m thinking of buying a water flosser to help get all the food out and keep it more clean, will that help?

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

Water flossers are fantastic, and one of my favorite products! It will definitely help with cleaning out the additional plaque and debris from in between your teeth.  It's great that you are taking all the measures needed to remove the food you are getting caught between your teeth, however, you need to see your dentist and have your dentist check this area.  Food traps can often lead to decay.  You may be having a food trap because there is too big of a space in that area.  The best thing to do is to notify your dentist and have him/her examine the area to see what needs to be done.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:What you are describing is food impaction due to open contact.  Please go to your dentist to check the contact of the crown, if it is open you either need to redo your corwn or place a filling on the adjacent tooth to close the space.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Why is food always stuck between my crown and tooth next to it?

Answers (2)