Wondering how to get food out of wisdom tooth hole? This article has an answer to that. Extracting wisdom teeth often leaves large holes in your gums and the bone beneath them. The hole is the space where roots have developed; in some cases, the hole maybe the size of an entire molar.¹

Most surgeons will use stitches to close these holes; however, in some cases, stitches aren’t used, and in these cases, you can expect certain complications.
Food particles tend to get stuck in these holes, read on to learn how to get food out of the wisdom tooth hole.

How To Get Food Out Of Wisdom Tooth Hole

These are some of the effective and recommended ways on how to get food out of your tooth hole. If none of these ways didn’t work for then you’ll need to consult your dentist for more professional assistance.

1. Water and Gargle
2. Irrigation Syringe

1. Water and Gargle:

Rinse and gargle with warm salt water, focus your rinsing action on the affected side of your mouth, to most effectively remove debris and provide inflammation relief. Flushing gently with warm salt water should bring out the food particle, but if it isn’t coming out with salt water rinses, it probably isn’t food, it’s the scar tissue or a blood clot which tends to feel like something is stuck so don’t try to clean it out but you can always call your dentist and get their opinion.

2. Irrigation Syringe:

Using a syringe may help you control the flow of water and allow you to clean the wisdom hole more efficiently; however, if not used properly, an irrigator or syringe can dislodge the blood clot forming to heal the tissue. Ask your dentist whether you should use one.

• Fill the syringe with lukewarm water. You may also use the saltwater solution.
• Aim the tip of the syringe as close as possible to the wisdom tooth hole without actually touching it.
• Flush the tooth hole from any necessary angles to thoroughly clean the wound and prevent infection. Do not push too forcefully — expelling a powerful jet of water directly into the socket could be harmful.

Preventive Measures

Avoid chewing on the side of the extraction for at least 3 days after. This may not be comfortable so you may be advised to take only liquid food, semi-solid food or foods that don’t require chewing.

Avoid grainy foods like rice or bread because these foods have a high chance of getting stuck in the extraction hole.

From the second day after the extraction, the warm salt water rinse should be started and this should be done at least eight times a day, especially after meals. This is done to rinse out any food particles that may be trapped and also to keep the area clean.

Ensure your surgeon closed the wounds with stitches, food won’t be able to get in the holes. You may see particles near the extraction sites that look grey, black, blue, green, or yellow. This is normal discolouration and is part of the healing process.²