Are Toothpicks Bad for Your Teeth?

Many homes across America have toothpicks. While they are marketed for cleaning your teeth, your dentist might suggest leaving them for checking when a cake is ready to come out of the oven. Although they can pick objects from between your teeth, they can do more harm than good. You could end up needing an emergency dentist if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you should know about the risks of toothpicks, and some better alternatives for your consideration.

Dangers of Using Toothpicks

Toothpicks are pretty handy to have around the home, but they aren’t a safe choice for your smile. Frequent or rough use of toothpicks can damage any existing dental work, like veneers or fillings. Not to mention, they can injure the gum tissue and lead to infection. It’s not uncommon for toothpicks to break or splinter. They can even get lodged in your gums. Although nothing is more annoying than having something caught between your teeth, toothpicks can also damage your roots. They can shift your gum tissue lower on your tooth, exposing your tooth root and placing you at risk of additional complications, like sensitivity and infections. You don’t have to wait until your next dental appointment or risk using a toothpick. There are many methods to remove the object without harming your dental health.

Better Alternatives to Toothpicks

If you have a habit of picking your teeth after eating or chewing on a toothpick while concentrating, it’s best to change your patterns. Your dentist will recommend keeping any inedible objects out of your mouth. Instead, you have many better options to get food out of your teeth that are safer than small slivers of wood. Here are a few dentist-approved methods:

• Traditional Dental Floss: Waxed flat floss can fit between your teeth easily. Choose high-quality floss that’s earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to ensure it’s safe for use. Gently slide the floss between two teeth to remove the debris. 
• Plastic Flossing Sticks: Plastic flossers can be much easier to use than regular floss. They also have a small pick at the end to help dislodge objects from teeth. They are softer than toothpicks, so they are less likely to damage your smile. There’s no risk of them splintering, either.
• Waterpik: A waterpik uses a high-pressure stream of water to dislodge food and plaque from the most difficult-to-reach areas. 

If you’re not able to remove the object at home, it’s time to turn to professionals for help. Don’t wait for your next cleaning and checkup. Contact your dentist for an appointment. They’ll remove it quickly, so you can be on your way to focus on more important matters.

About Dr. Jacob Milner

Dr. Milner earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has continued his education in advanced services, like pediatric dentistry, sleep apnea therapy, and emergency dentistry. If you have something caught between your teeth and need a dentist in a hurry, contact our office today to request your consultation.