Toothpick Terror: Why You Shouldn’t Use Them Like Dental Floss

Toothpicks can be handy little tools – just not when it comes to removing food from between your teeth! These overgrown splinters can actually do more harm than good if you try to use them like dental floss. Here’s how one pointy sliver of wood can cause a dental emergency and a list of alternatives that are much safer for your smile.

How Toothpicks Can Harm Your Dental Health

While your teeth are pretty strong, the soft pink tissue surrounding them is more vulnerable. When you think about it, getting a sharp object that close to your gums really isn’t a good idea! More specifically, this is what could happen:

• Gum damage. If your grip slips, you could easily cut open your gumline. Toothpicks can also splinter and get wood shards lodged in your gums, which will cause irritation and inflammation.
• Infection. Cuts are prime real estate for bacteria. As these pesky intruders hide away in the laceration on your gums, you’ll be at a greatly increased risk for infection. And if you’re using a toothpick from a restaurant dispenser…imagine how many hands have touched it!
• Broken dental work. A toothpick is unlikely to harm a brand-new filling or crown. But if you have existing dental work that’s already chipped or cracked, then this wooden sliver could pry it loose or cause breakage.

Better Tools for Removing Food Debris  

Instead of reaching for a toothpick, try one of these travel-sized food removers:

• Traditional floss. It’s an oldy but a goody! Traditional threaded floss is easier to control than a toothpick and is much more flexible and softer.
• Floss picks. You should be a bit more careful with floss picks, since the handle makes it easier to apply too much force and harm your gums. Overall, though, they are a good choice for those who don’t like traditional floss.

At the end of the day, all of these are better for you than a toothpick. So, do your smile a favor, pick your favorite, and save your toothpicks for holding sandwiches together!

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University Dental School). For over 10 years now, he’s provided comfortable and convenient dental care to Manasquan and nearby areas. For more day-to-day tips that will help you avoid the dentist’s chair, or if you need help right away because of a toothpick-related incident, contact Dr. Aptaker’s office at 732-223-9199.