Grabbing a toothpick after a meal is almost like a ritual for some people. You may not even think about it before your hand reaches for the tiny sliver of wood. After all, it’s a quick, simple way to dislodge food stuck between your teeth. But are these tiny wooden sticks doing more harm than good for your oral health?
The Problem with Toothpicks
While they can be useful, toothpicks are sharp, rigid, and not actually designed for the soft tissues in your mouth. Using them aggressively, or even a little too often, can lead to gum irritation, enamel damage, or even gum splinters!
If you just winced, then you’re starting to get the picture of why it’s probably not a great idea to use toothpicks unless you really have to. They often cause more problems than they solve.
So, What Should You Use to Keep Your Oral Health Intact?
If you’re using toothpicks often, it may be a sign that food is getting stuck too easily, possibly due to gaps, uneven spacing, or gum issues. Here are some dentist-approved alternatives:
- Dental floss: Still the gold standard. It removes debris and plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline.
- Soft picks: These flexible rubber or silicone tools are gentle on gums and great for on-the-go use.
- Water Flossers: A great option for people with braces, bridges, or sensitivity. Water pressure clears debris without any scraping.
Are Toothpicks Ever Okay to Use?
Toothpicks can have their uses, but only if you’re careful and using the right technique. If there’s an object or food stuck between your teeth that’s painful or causing damage, a toothpick can help.
Instead of scraping it along your enamel or poking it into your gums, wedge it gently between your teeth until you feel gentle pressure. Then, leave it there for a couple of minutes. This will make a little more space between your teeth so you can use other tools to remove the debris.
Toothpicks might be small and unassuming, but they can certainly cause issues when it comes to long-term oral health. While occasional, gentle use probably won’t hurt, there are far better (and safer) tools out there for keeping your smile clean and healthy.
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, we’re happy to help our patients make informed decisions about every part of their oral health. Our team takes the time to educate patients on safe, effective hygiene habits so you can keep your smile clean, healthy, and protected. And when accidents happen, we can rush to the rescue. Call (973) 718-9887 to schedule an emergency dental appointment with us or visit our website to see a full menu of services.