You’ve probably experienced a moment in your life when you had something stuck between your teeth. This happens to everyone, and one way that people sometimes go about addressing the issue is by using a toothpick to dislodge the debris. But despite their namesake, did you know that toothpicks actually pose a threat to your oral health? Here’s more about some of the dangers of using toothpicks, along with some healthy and safe alternatives that your emergency dentist wants you to consider instead.
How Can Toothpicks Harm My Smile?
It’s worth noting that if you have no other option, a toothpick is still okay to use; however, the Academy of General Dentistry, one of the most prestigious professional dental organizations around, doesn’t recommend them for regular use. Here are a few ways in which toothpicks can pose an oral health hazard:
- They’re easily broken – Toothpicks are fragile and capable of breaking easily. These fragments can become lodged in the gum tissue and cause damage that leads to infection.
- They transmit bacteria – The end of a toothpick can function as a vehicle for germs to enter the mouth.
- They can damage enamel and restorations – If you have a veneer, filling, crown, or another type of dental restoration, it might be in danger if you’re regularly using toothpicks.
- They can create gaps between teeth – Believe it or not, toothpicks can create additional space between your teeth where debris can collect.
Are There Better Alternatives to Toothpicks?
Fortunately, there are all sorts of ways to clear debris from your teeth aside from potentially hazardous toothpicks. Consider the following safe alternatives:
- Dental floss – Dentists everywhere agree that the ideal way to remove food that’s stuck between your teeth is with dental floss; after all, that’s what it’s made for.
- Floss picks – Floss picks are just as effective as dental floss with the bonus of being easier to handle and manipulate.
- Waterpik – these utilize a gentle pressurized stream of water to clear out debris from teeth; though a little pricier than other options, they’re undeniably effective and perfectly safe.
- Water – Swishing water around your mouth can also be quite effective at dislodging debris.
These options are all preferable to toothpicks because they’re difficult (or impossible) to break in a way that might damage the surrounding teeth or gums! That said, the next time you have something stuck between your teeth, consider avoiding using a toothpick and opt for one of these better options instead.
About the Practice
The team at Bright Smiles Dentistry is thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for patients and families in the Brookfield, WI area! They offer a wide range of services and treatments, including emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional assistance: (262) 563-9100.