Toothpicks may seem like a simple and convenient way to remove food stuck between your teeth, especially after a meal. They’re easy to find, inexpensive, and widely used, but are they actually good for your oral health? While toothpicks aren’t inherently harmful when used carefully and occasionally, they can pose certain risks that make them less ideal than other cleaning tools. Here’s what you should know about whether toothpicks are bad for your teeth.
They Can Damage Your Gums
One of the biggest concerns with toothpick use is gum irritation. Toothpicks are small, pointed, and often used with more force than necessary. If you accidentally poke or scrape your gums, it can lead to inflammation, bleeding, or even small cuts. Repeated trauma can cause gum recession over time, exposing sensitive tooth roots and increasing your risk of sensitivity and decay.
They May Wear Down Dental Work
Dental restorations like fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges are designed to be strong, but not invincible. Using a wooden or plastic toothpick to pry out food can scratch, chip, or loosen these restorations. This is especially true if the toothpick is used aggressively or frequently. Even natural tooth enamel can become worn if continually scraped, leading to sensitivity and weakening the tooth structure.
Toothpicks Don’t Clean as Effectively as Floss
While toothpicks can remove large food particles, they aren’t very effective at cleaning plaque or reaching tight spaces between teeth. Dental floss, water flossers, and interdental brushes do a much better job at removing plaque buildup and maintaining gum health. Relying on toothpicks instead of proper cleaning tools can leave harmful bacteria behind, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
The Risk of Splinters is Real
Wooden toothpicks can splinter, especially if they are dry or used with force. A tiny splinter stuck in your gum tissue can cause irritation, swelling, and infection. Plastic toothpicks don’t splinter, but they can still break and lodge between teeth or gums.
Healthier Alternatives
If something is stuck between your teeth, floss is the safest and most effective solution. Interdental brushes are also great for people with larger gaps or dental work. For on-the-go convenience, disposable floss picks are much safer than wooden toothpicks and provide a deeper clean.
Toothpicks aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can cause more harm than good when used frequently or incorrectly. For better long-term oral health, skip the toothpicks and stick with dentist-approved tools that protect your teeth and gums.
About the Practice
At Cedric C. Chenet DDS, we can provide expert dental care when you need it most during a dental emergency. We can get you out of pain in a stress-free environment that’s calming for our patients, and for your convenience, we have same-day appointments available for emergency patients. When it comes to costs, we have an in-office savings plan and flexible financing with CareCredit. Schedule an appointment online or call (321) 253-3136.