Are Toothpicks Safe to Use on My Teeth?

If you’ve gone out to eat recently, you may have noticed a bowl of complementary toothpicks by the restaurant’s front door as you were leaving. These are there for a reason; to help you clear out those annoying bits of food debris that remain lingering after your dinner. However, did you know that toothpicks actually aren’t the best tool for this task, and can even potentially harm your pearly whites if you’re careless? Here’s what your emergency dentist wants you to know about toothpicks along with some safer alternatives that are just as effective.

Can Toothpicks Harm My Smile?

The American Academy of General Dentistry, one of the most respectable and trustworthy professional dental organizations around, says that it’s still okay to use a toothpick if you don’t have anything else at your disposal—just be careful, and try not to use them too frequently. There are a few reasons these experts think you should exercise caution, such as:

• They’re capable of breaking easily, which creates small wooden fragments and splinters that can cause damage and irritation.
• The end of a toothpick is the perfect vehicle for transporting outside bacteria into your mouth.
• Toothpicks can damage both natural tooth enamel as well as dental restorations like filling, crowns or dentures.
• Toothpicks can also create additional space between your teeth that provides more room for bacteria to collect, heightening your risk of infection.

What Should I Use Instead of a Toothpick?

If you can, try using one of these dentist-approved items for removing food or debris from your teeth:

Dental Floss

Dentists agree that dental floss is the best and safest way to remove debris and food particles stuck between your teeth. There are waxed and non-waxed varieties, as well as floss picks, which are plastic picks with precut strands of floss attached to them that are typically easier to manipulate.

Oral Irrigator

Also called Waterpiks, these use a gentle, pressurized stream of water to clear debris from between teeth. They’re incredibly effective, but pricier than other options.

Water

Even simply drinking a glass of water (preferably tap water, since it often contains fluoride) can prove useful for clearing debris stuck between teeth. You might also try using lukewarm saltwater to rinse your mouth if you’re dealing with inflammation.

About the Practice

Our talented team here at Ralph Avenue Dental Care is excited to offer patients and families in the Brooklyn, NY community an unmatched level of care. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact us today or give us a call for further assistance. Telephone: (732) 335-7155.