When you think of a dental emergency, a few familiar scenarios probably come to mind: a severe toothache, a chipped tooth, or a tooth knocked out during a game. But sometimes, dental professionals encounter situations that are considerably more unusual. From bizarre objects getting stuck in unexpected places to patients discovering truly surprising things in their mouths, these strange emergencies are a reminder that you never quite know what a dentist might see.
A Toothpick in the Wrong Place
Toothpicks may seem harmless, but using them incorrectly can cause some serious problems. In rare cases, people have accidentally broken or lodged pieces of toothpicks between their teeth or gums. Sharp objects can injure delicate oral tissues, potentially leading to pain, bleeding, or infection.
The lesson? Your teeth aren’t tools, and toothpicks aren’t toys. If something becomes stuck between your teeth, try gently removing it with dental floss rather than reaching for another sharp object.
A Pencil, Pen, or Other Object
Chewing on pens and pencils is a common habit, particularly among children and students. Occasionally, however, biting down too hard can result in a chipped or fractured tooth. Worse, a sharp object can injure the gums or other tissues in the mouth.
If your child has a habit of chewing on school supplies, it may be worth encouraging a safer alternative. Pens are for writing, not snacks!
A Plant Growing in the Mouth?
Perhaps one of the strangest dental stories involves a patient who reportedly had a tiny plant sprouting from their gum. In a particularly unusual case, a seed became lodged in the gum and apparently began to germinate.
While this is certainly an entertaining story, it also highlights why foreign objects shouldn’t be allowed to remain stuck around the teeth and gums. Food particles and other debris can contribute to irritation and bacterial buildup, so regular brushing and flossing are essential.
Unusual Objects in the Mouth
Dental professionals have encountered plenty of other unusual objects during emergency visits, including pieces of toys, jewelry, and various household items. Children are especially prone to putting objects in their mouths, which can sometimes lead to an unexpected trip to the dentist.
If an object becomes lodged between your teeth, don’t use excessive force to remove it. Gentle flossing may help, but if you can’t safely get it out, contact your dentist. Trying to dig around the area with a sharp instrument could cause additional damage.
When Strange Becomes Serious
As entertaining as unusual dental emergencies can sound, an injury to your mouth should always be taken seriously. Severe pain, significant bleeding, swelling, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrants prompt dental attention.
If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root and seek emergency dental care as quickly as possible. Acting quickly can make a difference in whether the tooth can be successfully preserved.
Keep Your Smile Out of the Emergency Room
Most people will never experience a dental emergency involving a household object—or a surprise plant. Still, taking good care of your teeth, avoiding bad habits, and knowing when to seek professional help can reduce your chances of experiencing an unexpected dental problem.
And if you ever find yourself wondering whether your dental situation is strange enough to call a dentist, it’s probably worth making the call.
About the Practice
Dr. Beverly Rose of Exceptional Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on helping patients maintain healthy, comfortable smiles. The practice offers general and preventive dentistry along with emergency dental care for patients who experience unexpected dental problems.
Call us at (321) 259-4666 or schedule your appointment online.