Toothpicks can seem like a convenient way to clean your teeth after a meal, especially if you consumed something sticky or starchy. However, before you reach for that sharp wooden instrument, you should pause to think about how it might affect your oral tissues. You might accidentally harm yourself! In this blog post, you will learn why it is best to skip the toothpicks and use floss instead.
4 Reasons Not to Use Toothpicks
When you reach for a toothpick after a meal, you might believe you are doing your teeth a favor. However, toothpicks are not as harmless as they appear. Here are four important reasons to avoid toothpicks when cleaning between your teeth:
- Risk of Gum and Oral Tissue Injury: Toothpicks are sharp and pointed. If you use them with too much force or at the wrong angle, you might puncture or scrape your gums, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth. Repeated trauma in these areas can lead to painful sores, infections, and even permanent gum recession.
- Potential for Tooth Damage. Wooden or plastic toothpicks might seem gentle, but they can chip or scratch your enamel. If you push a toothpick too hard between your teeth, you could even crack a filling or other dental restoration. Over time, repeated toothpick use can cause sensitivity and lead to costly repairs.
- Breakage and Lodging. Toothpicks, especially wooden ones, are prone to breaking. If a fragment snaps off while you are using it, the splinter could become stuck in your gums. This foreign object may trigger swelling, discomfort, or even an infection.
- Ineffective Plaque Removal. Toothpicks simply do not reach deep enough between teeth or below the gumline to remove all harmful plaque and debris. Relying on toothpicks may create a false sense of cleanliness while still leaving bacteria behind.
Safer Alternatives for Cleaning Between Your Teeth
For optimal oral health, you should choose tools that clean thoroughly between your teeth while posing little to no risk to your oral tissues. Here are some items to try:
- Dental Floss. Dental floss is thin and flexible. It slides gently between your teeth and helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Ask your hygienist if you need coaching on how to properly floss.
- Interdental Brushes. These small, cylindrical brushes are designed to fit into the spaces between your teeth. They are especially useful if you have gaps, braces, or dental bridges.
- Water Flossers. Also known as oral irrigators, water flossers use a steady stream of water to flush out debris and bacteria from between your teeth and below your gumline. They are ideal if you find traditional floss difficult to use or if you have braces.
Despite their name, toothpicks should not be used to clean between your teeth! Use safer methods to maintain a clean and healthy smile.
Meet the Practice
At South Windsor Dental, Dr. Sara Curcio and our team are proud to provide a broad range of services to our community. If you have questions about how to properly care for your smile on a daily basis, we would be pleased to chat with you during your next preventive appointment. To learn more about us or to request a visit, contact us at 860-644-2476.