Ask Your Southern California Dentist: Could Using a Toothpick Actually Harm Your Teeth or Gums?

Using a toothpick might not seem to be terrible for your teeth and gums. After all, a toothpick is what it is called for a reason. To remove food that has become lodged between your teeth, toothpicks are a fantastic retro cleaning tool. It is most likely one of the earliest teeth cleaning tools, going back to the Stone Age.

The tiny, thin sticks known as toothpicks can be constructed of wood, plastic, bamboo, or even metal. However, using a toothpick too often or too firmly might irritate your gums and teeth and harm them. Keep reading to learn more and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you need a dental appointment.

What a toothpick is

In addition to being crucial for oral hygiene, how you clean in between your teeth has an impact on the condition of your teeth and gums. Toothpicks are not advised by the American Dental Association for cleaning in between teeth.

Cleaning using a toothpick is less efficient. Using a toothpick in place of floss is not recommended. Plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth are easier to remove using floss. Plaque and dirt can be removed from between the gum and teeth considerably more thoroughly by flossing.

Because they fit readily between your teeth’s gaps, little dental brushes and picks made specifically for cleaning in between your teeth are more efficient at eliminating food particles than a toothpick.

Toothpicks have problems

Using toothpicks frequently can make you lose your smile. When used violently, toothpicks can lacerate the gums and cause bleeding from the gums. A broken splinter that gets stuck in your gums can infect you. Some people chew toothpicks on a regular basis, which can harm the enamel of the teeth. Toothpicks can damage veneers and bonding as well as distort and break dentures if you have dentures or have had restorative dental work done.

Toothpicks can harm the roots of your teeth if the gum has separated from the tooth. Despite these facts, a lot of people continue to use toothpicks to remove food that has become stuck between their teeth. If a toothpick needs to be used to remove food particles that has become caught, proceed with caution. Visit your dentist if food continues to get stuck in your teeth; there could be other causes.

Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to speak with a dentist if you have any concerns about using toothpicks or problems with food becoming lodged in your teeth.