What Is a Food Trap and How Can Your Dentist Fix It?

| April 26, 2012

food trap example

Have you had a place in your mouth where food gets stuck in between your teeth or your teeth and gums? Is there a spot where you always need to floss after a meal and when you do floss, you pull out a “chunk of gunk“?

What is a food trap?

A food trap is a place is your mouth (usually between two teeth or a tooth and gums) where food gets stuck after a meal and can’t be removed without flossing. This trap can eventually lead to tooth decay or pain if left uncleaned, or untreated by a dentist.

The arrow in the picture points to where food gets trapped when there isn’t adequate contact between your teeth. (This picture is of my mouth and food trap caused by a small filling falling off)

Typically what you want in your mouth is for all of your teeth to be close together with no gaps or places for food to accumulate.  When food accumulates in a food trap it can cause you mouth pain, gum soreness and redness, and cause bad breath.  The food decomposes and begins to smell and can also turn into a cavity if left untreated.

What can a dentist do to fix your food trap?

If you are suffering with areas in your mouth were food collects your dentist can help you solve the problem.  Depending on the size of the food trap a small filling can be done to fill in the food trap space.  This dental procedure is quick and easy and can save you future pain and expense by treating it early before it develops into a bigger problem. Contact our Columbus dental office for details!