How to Remove Popcorn from Your Teeth

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: September 24, 2023 References

Having a piece of popcorn stuck between your teeth is irritating and can be quite painful. Unlike many foods, popcorn hulls are not easily dissolved in saliva, and can persist for long periods of time between teeth and along gum lines. If it's not properly removed, food debris like popcorn left in hard-to-reach crevices can create an abscess that can fill with bacteria and lead to a potentially serious gum infection. Learning how to take care of the issue before it becomes a problem can allow you to feel better and avoid painful infections.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Floss and Other Objects

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1
Use dental floss. The American Dental Association recommends using dental floss at least once every day, but especially when you know there is debris stuck between your teeth. ^{[1]
X
Research source} This may also include soft debris, which can include bread. The starch will turn into sugar and bacteria will grow.
- Try to work the floss as close to the gum as possible between the teeth where the popcorn is stuck.
- Form the floss into a c-shape around one tooth, then around the next tooth.
- Work the floss back and forth or up and down, but be sure to also press down and massage your gums to ensure you're flossing thoroughly. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- Rinse your mouth out with water.
2
Use a toothpick. Take great care to avoid stabbing or otherwise injuring your gums.
- Insert the flat end of a toothpick between your teeth at the site where the popcorn is lodged. ^{[3]
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- Gently work the popcorn out from between your teeth, moving it either upward or forward. ^{[4]
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- If this doesn't work or if the toothpick doesn't have a flat end, use a pointed end and gently work the toothpick along your gums. Use extreme caution to avoid injuring your gums or the poking the inside of your mouth.
- If your teeth are too crooked, then you may need to look for a strong fabric wire that can act like a floss.
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3
Brush your teeth. Brushing is highly effective at removing dental debris like popcorn. Wet the bristles of your toothbrush, then add fluoride toothpaste, and brush thoroughly, being sure to get all of your teeth. ^{[5]
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Research source}
- When you brush your teeth, use a gentle circular motion, and brush for at least 2 minutes. If you scrub your teeth too hard, you could wear away the enamel. ^{[6]
  X
  Research source
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- Toothpaste is optional for removing debris, but the foaming action may help. Squeeze out a pea-sized blob of toothpaste onto the bristles of your toothbrush.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
- Try to work the popcorn out from between your teeth using the bristles in various strokes and movements. Once you remove the popcorn, rinse the bristles of your toothbrush to avoid reintroducing the debris into your mouth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Popcorn Without Floss

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Try to gently "pick" at the popcorn using your tongue. Do not overdo this, as it may cause pain and inflammation to your tongue.
2
Rinse your mouth. You can use plain water, but using a salt water rinse will help ease any inflammation you're experiencing and reduce the chances of an infection. The gritty texture of salt may provide additional assistance in removing food debris. ^{[7]
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- Mix one tablespoon of salt into an eight ounce glass of warm water. ^{[8]
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- Stir until the salt is well-dissolved.
- Swish the salt water on the affected side of your mouth. Try to focus your rinsing around the location of the popcorn. You can also use an oral irrigator or WaterPik if you have one.
3
Try chewing gum. Chewing gum increases salivation in the mouth, and can also help physically dislodge debris from your teeth. ^{[9]
X
Research source} Sugar-free chewing gum has even been shown to reduce dental debris by up to 50%. ^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Focus your chewing on the affected side of your mouth for optimal results.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating the Pain Associated with Dental Debris

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If the dental debris remains lodged between your teeth long enough for an abscess or infection to form, it can be quite painful. An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain until you can see a dentist. ^{[11]
X
Research source} Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid any excess trauma by trying to pull out the debris
2
Use clove oil. Clove oil has been shown to have pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. ^{[12]
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Research source} Clove oil may help relieve dental pain until you can visit a dentist. ^{[13]
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- Dab some clove oil onto a cotton ball or the tip of a cotton swab.
- Apply the clove oil cotton to the site of the pain.
- Repeat as needed until you can see your dentist.
3
Use a cold compress. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. ^{[14]
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- Wrap an ice pack in a towel. If you don't have an ice pack, wrap several ice cubes in a towel, or soak a towel in cold water.
- Hold the towel over the affected side of your face.
- Use the cold compress for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Then leave it off for at least 10 minutes before reapplying. ^{[15]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  University of Rochester Medical Center
  Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research
  Go to source} You can do this 3 to 4 times a day.
4
Call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Your dentist will be able to remove the irritating popcorn debris, and may perform a routine cleaning to ensure that there are no other problem areas in your mouth. If an abscess or infection has formed, your dentist will also be able to treat the problem, and may recommend a prescribed medication to help manage the pain.
- If you're having any kind of dental pain, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible to rule out any underlying problems. ^{[16]
  X
  Research source
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}

Expert Q&A

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Question

What if I can't get the popcorn out of my gums?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Floss and use an oral irrigator. You can also try using an interdental brush, but if the popcorn is too stubborn, you should see a dentist to avoid causing any pain or infection.

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Question

What should I look for in a toothpaste?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Opt for a toothpaste with fluoride, which will re-mineralize your enamel and help prevent future cavities.

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Tips

Floss and/or use a toothpick in front of a mirror. This will help you locate any other pieces that may still be left behind, and can reduce the risk of injuring yourself.

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Warnings

Do not poke or stab your gums with a toothpick. Using a toothpick inappropriately can cause serious injury. Never allow a child to use a toothpick.

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How to Remove Popcorn from Your Teeth

Steps

Using Floss and Other Objects

Removing Popcorn Without Floss

Treating the Pain Associated with Dental Debris

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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