Substrate Stuck in Mouth

[Bogertophis]

It's quite a challenge to get debris out of a snake's mouth, so I can certainly sympathize. Sometimes you need to have something on hand like a popsicle stick to wedge their mouth open, & it also helps if you have 4 hands & arms to restrain your snake. You could also try to rinse it out by gently passing her head under a gentle stream of tepid water from the faucet, but no guarantee there either.

I hope she didn't swallow it, not much you can do now if she did other than hope it passes thru alright along with food that's already in her digestive tract. Much depends on the actual size. If it were to get stuck internally & cause constipation, that would be something for a veterinarian to deal with, one that specializes in snakes & reptiles. Watch & see if "this too shall pass", or if you see any bloody discharge call the vet. Also see the vet if anything is still visibly lodged in her mouth that you can't remove- it should be obvious: her mouth won't close correctly, or she'll be restless, rubbing her face, or yawning, & in obvious distress.

Not sure what to suggest for substrate either- some brands have a better texture than others. Most use substrates for BPs that hold humidity, but if you can manage to keep the humidity up, there are various soft paper-type substrates that might work too.

Actually we recommend feeding all snakes in their home enclosures, but you can always put down something to serve as a "plate"- it can be an actual plastic plate, of course, or a good sized box lid so the snake doesn't grab substrate along with dinner.