When there’s something caught between your teeth, a toothpick might seem like a convenient way to remove it – but most emergency dentists don’t recommend this approach. Despite their name, toothpicks aren’t an ideal tool for cleaning your smile; in fact, if you’re not careful, they could end up causing serious dental damage. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of toothpicks and what you should do instead to dislodge bits of food from your grin.
The Risks of Using Toothpicks
A toothpick can potentially break while you’re using it, especially if it has been poorly made. Consequently, there’s a chance that a piece of wood could get wedged in your gums, leading to inflammation and serious pain.
Other potential consequences of using toothpicks include:
- Creating More Space Between the Teeth: Using a toothpick in the same spot repeatedly can widen the gaps between the teeth, which makes it even more likely that bits of food will become trapped in your smile.
- Damaging Your Enamel: If you chew on toothpicks once you’re done using them, they can significantly wear down and weaken your enamel.
- Gum Recession: Using toothpicks might cause your gums to pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots and leaving them vulnerable to attacks from harmful bacteria.
So What Else Can You Do to Remove Something Caught Between Your Teeth?
When it comes to cleaning between your teeth, using a toothpick should only ever be your last resort. Ideally, you should instead use dental floss to gently dislodge any foreign objects.
Traditional dental floss comes in two varieties: waxed and unwaxed. Generally speaking, unwaxed floss is thinner, which many people find makes it more comfortable to move in and out of the teeth. On the other hand, waxed floss usually allows for a smoother experience, and it’s less likely to break while you’re using it. If you’re not sure which type of floss is right for you, experiment to see which one you prefer.
People who have a hard time guiding their floss where it needs to go might consider picking up some floss threaders. These flexible pieces of plastic make the process of fitting string floss between the teeth (or through the archwire of braces) much easier.
For those who simply find traditional flossing too difficult, a water flosser can be a useful alternative. The device uses a pressurized stream of water to gently remove foreign objects and plaque from the hard-to-reach spaces in your smile.
There’s no need to put your teeth at unnecessary risk by using toothpicks. Make sure that you always have a convenient flossing tool on hand so that you can quickly and safely take care of any trapped pieces of food.
About the Author
Dr. John E. Petty always takes the time to listen carefully to his patients and answer any questions they might have about their care. He puts a lot of value on his professional knowledge and training, and he completes over 100 hours of continuing education every year. At Petty Dental in Tullahoma, he can help his patients remove anything caught in their teeth that they can’t get rid of on their own. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty, visit his website or call (931) 454-9499.