When something gets stuck between your teeth, it’s tempting to reach for a toothpick to address the situation. After all, doesn’t their name imply that they’re well-suited for removing debris and food particles from between the teeth? The truth is, while they may seem small and convenient, they can actually do more harm than good, and they could even trigger a dental emergency. Here’s what you need to know, along with some dentist-approved alternatives you can use instead.
The Problems Caused by Toothpicks
Toothpicks are usually made of wood, meaning they can potentially break and splinter, becoming a choking hazard, or their pointed ends can cause issues. They might scrape or puncture your gum tissue, leading to wounds that can become infected or possible gum recession. They can also scratch your enamel, causing harm to this protective outer layer of your teeth, or any existing dental work. Furthermore, they don’t always effectively remove debris and plaque—so they may not even get the job fully done!
Safe Alternatives to Toothpicks
Luckily, there are many healthier ways to clean between your teeth that work far better than toothpicks:
- Dental floss – This is the gold standard for cleaning between teeth! It removes food debris safely and using it daily can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Interdental brushes – These specialized toothbrushes are helpful for patients with braces or wider spaces between teeth. They’re very gentle and come in different sizes.
- Water flosser – Sometimes referred to as Waterpiks, these use a gentle, pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline.
- Sugar-free chewing gum – While gum isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can still help to increase your saliva flow and wash away excess food particles.
Toothpicks may be convenient and seem like the appropriate choice for quickly cleaning your teeth, but given the risks they pose, it’s best to find something that’s designed specifically for the task. Save the toothpicks for arts and crafts and finger foods!
About the Practice
Our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry is proud to serve the dental needs of patients of all ages in Worcester and the surrounding communities. We offer a wide variety of services, including same-day emergency dentistry for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.