When you finish eating, it may be a habit for you to grab a toothpick. They help you poke at stray morsels stuck between your teeth, but this act isn’t as harmless as it seems. In fact, you may be risking your smile and end up with a dental emergency! Keep reading to learn why this tool can cause problems for your grin and other, safer alternatives you can reach for instead.
What Makes Toothpicks So Bad for My Teeth?
Oftentimes, toothpicks are made from wood or bamboo. The pointed ends are what help them get between your teeth, but they can affect your enamel if you consistently use them. The material is abrasive against this outer layer, so you may wear it down if you aren’t careful. This can put you at a higher risk of cavities, but also sensitivity.
Your gums may also be affected! It’s easy to be too rough with them, potentially piercing the soft tissue or cutting them. Not only that, but if you move the toothpick at the wrong angle, it can break off and get stuck as well! The wood can splinter and lodge further in, causing discomfort or an infection.
What Are Things I Can Use Besides Toothpicks?
That being said, you may wonder what else you can use to get rid of debris between your teeth. There are many more options out there that are safer, such as:
- Floss may not be a surprising tool, but it’s very effective. After all, it’s designed for this very purpose. If you can’t get a morsel with it, then you can even try tying a knot into it to give the thread an added thickness. You can also keep floss sticks handy as a more convenient option.
- Interdental brushes are also made to get between your teeth. They are thin brushes that come in many sizes, so you can find one that works easily for you. You’ll be able to scrub areas in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t.
- Water flossers are a great choice you can use at home. These devices jet out a stream of water, popping debris out of place. Better yet, they are just as effective as traditional floss, but easier to hold.
Try out any of these items and avoid using a toothpick. That way, you can keep your smile safe from any harm while getting rid of that annoying piece of food that’s stuck.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah Burton earned her dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. With over 10 years of experience, she is happy to help the Jerome Township community with their oral health, especially during their dental emergencies. By getting you in as fast as possible, you can get relief for your urgent situation from a caring team. If you have something stuck in your smile you need help getting out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (614) 215-9180.