After you finish a meal, you may instinctively reach for a toothpick. You’ll use this tool to poke at stuck pieces of food in your teeth without worry. However, this seemingly harmless act can actually cause trouble for your smile. If you aren’t careful, then you very well may end up in a dental emergency. Here’s how and what you can use instead that are safer for your grin.
Why Are Toothpicks Harmful to My Smile?
As you likely know, toothpicks are thin sticks with pointed ends. They are often made from bamboo or wood, but this material is abrasive against your enamel. The more you poke and prod, the more you risk wearing down the top layer of your teeth. You may be more prone to cavities, but you may also experience sensitivity.
Your gums can also be harmed. You may be rough with your toothpicks, potentially cutting the soft tissues in your mouth. It’s possible to accidentally break off an end into your gums as well. The wood can splinter and get trapped further in, causing discomfort and an infection over time.
What Should I Use Besides a Toothpick?
While using a toothpick isn’t as harmless as it might’ve seemed at first, you might be thinking about swapping it out for something else. Thankfully, there are plenty of safer alternatives, such as:
- Floss is a classic choice as it’s specifically designed to clean out plaque and debris between your teeth. You can even tie a knot in it to knock out a stuck morsel as well. Floss sticks are another great, convenient option.
- Interdental brushes are tiny brushes that are also specially made to get between dental structures. They come in many sizes, but they can help scrub areas your regular toothbrush can’t reach.
- Water flossers may not be as easy to use on the go as the rest, but these devices are great to use at home. They shoot out a stream of water that can push debris out of place. Better yet, they are often easier to hold as well.
In the end, toothpicks can do a number on your smile if you aren’t careful. Try out any of the safer options above and see which one meshes with your lifestyle easily. That way, you can keep your grin the best it deserves to be.
About the Practice
At Plexus Dental of Plano, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the local community during their dental emergencies. By having same-day and weekend urgent visits, we can get you the treatment you deserve right away. If you have something in your teeth that you can’t get out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (469) 241-0350.