Sometimes when you eat, particles of food can become stuck between your teeth, causing aching or discomfort. Naturally, your first instinct may be to remove it with the help of a wooden toothpick. But unfortunately, despite their confusing name, these little devices aren’t actually good for your teeth. Here’s why when it comes to your smile, toothpicks are the wrong choice, and what you should do to safely remove trapped food from your teeth!
The Wrong Pick
Toothpicks have been around for approximately 1.8 million years, making them one of the oldest tools in the world and the first instrument ever created to clean the teeth. But despite their longevity, they certainly have their drawbacks. Here are a few reasons why you should save them for skewering charcuterie and keep them away from your teeth!
Gum Injuries
Accidents can happen, and toothpicks can easily injure your gums in an attempt to rescue them from trapped food. This can result in bleeding as well as painful gum infections.
Snap Decisions
Despite being made of wood, toothpicks aren’t very strong, and can easily break in use, often getting caught (along with the food they’re trying to loosen) between your teeth!
Enamel Damage
Tooth enamel is tough, but not indestructible, and if you’re not careful, toothpicks can cause permanent damage to your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity and an increased risk of breakage.
Deep Trouble
Another caveat of toothpicks is that sometimes when you attempt to push food out from between two teeth, you can accidentally push it in deeper, increasing the pain you were trying to eliminate.
How to Safely Remove Trapped Food
Should you find it necessary to remove food caught between your teeth, here are a few safe, effective methods to try instead of using a wooden toothpick:
- First, wiggle the particle with your tongue if you can reach it, and see if that loosens it or pulls it free.
- If wiggling doesn’t work, try using a string of regular dental floss, or a dental floss pick. In very slow, back and forth motions, glide the floss between your teeth until the particle comes out.
- If dental floss doesn’t work, you can also try a water flosser or irrigator. This could help loosen the particle enough that string floss may work with more success.
- Finally, if all else fails, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for assistance.
Remember, despite their name, toothpicks are no longer the best choice for removing food from between your teeth. Though they have been around for centuries, today’s dental tools are safer and more effective, reducing the risk of injury to your teeth and gums. Should you fail to dislodge debris with the help of dental floss or other safe methods, don’t hesitate to reach out to your emergency dentist for help, and you’ll have a healthy, pain-free smile again in no time!
About Dr. Pevzner
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner earned his dental degree at SUNY Buffalo Dental School in 2019. He has since amassed over 500 hours of continuing education and has undergone advanced training in topics such as oral surgery, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, and endodontics. He is also licensed to perform sedation dentistry for patients who are anxious or afraid to receive dental treatment. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, please contact Highland West Dental Care at 512-451-4412 for assistance.