I have two crowns on my lower back teeth, and I always have trouble with food getting stuck between them, especially when eating steak or chicken. Flossing is challenging, and it catches on something on the lower edge of one crown, like there is an overhang. After removing the food, the area becomes sensitive to cold, such as when swishing water around. My dentist is aware of the issue but hasn't expressed much concern about fixing it.
Food getting stuck between your teeth can lead to periodontal breakdown of the bone and gums, as well as cavities on the roots of your teeth. It is important to address this issue with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Most food can get stuck between teeth due to pathologic migration, which refers to tooth movements resulting from your bite and occlusion. In some cases, bite adjustments can help, but if food impaction continues, your dentist may need to close the contact between your teeth through methods such as redoing a crown, restoration, or orthodontic intervention (for patients who have completed orthodontic treatment but are not wearing retainers) to prevent cavities and gum disease.
To prevent gum inflammation and sensitivity, it is important to have a contact that helps prevent food impaction. If food gets stuck between the teeth and cannot be cleaned effectively, it is best to close off the gap to avoid further issues.
Food impaction around a tooth can lead to inflammation, periodontal disease, bone loss, and tooth decay. Cleaning the area can be tedious, so it is important to inform your dentist about your concerns and allow them to address them.
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