In language, words often reflect their purpose. For example, you have toothbrush, which fulfills that function. However, some words can be deceiving; take toothpick. At one point in history, toothpicks were acceptable for cleaning dentition after eating to clear the spaces or to be chewed on as a habit. Nowadays, with better materials and technology, you should never use a risky toothpick in your mouth, especially to clear away food or something stuck between your teeth. Why are toothpicks so unsafe for your mouth? What should you use instead? What should you do if the situation escalates even more? In the content below, you’ll find out the answers!
What Makes Toothpicks Unsafe for Your Mouth?
Toothpicks are notoriously small and sharp, which poses a threat not only to your soft gum tissue but also to your tooth structure. Although harder than anything else in your body, your enamel can withstand only so much poking and abuse before it cracks or worse.
In addition, most frequently being made of wood, a piece of the toothpick may break off and get wedged between your teeth. This added pressure can cause your teeth to shift slightly. Chances are it won’t completely change your bite, but without removing the stuck piece, your teeth may be sore and more susceptible to further shifting.
What Should You Use Instead of Toothpicks?
Rather than reaching for a chunk of wood or plastic to dig between your teeth, grab some floss. This string can slide easily between your teeth and loosen whatever is stuck in this tiny space. Most of the time, this technique works wonderfully and quickly. If you do not have access to floss immediately, you can try swishing your mouth with water vigorously or chew some sugar-free gum. Most of the time, these conservative options are effective. However, if not, professional help becomes necessary.
What Should You Do If You Can’t Get a Stuck Object Out from Between Your Teeth?
What if flossing, water, or gum doesn’t work to get a piece of food or something else out? Your next move should be calling your dentist! Yes, they have even sharper tools than toothpicks, but they have the training and experience using these instruments in a way that won’t damage your enamel or gums. Plus, most dental practices strive to fit emergency patients in as soon as possible. In fact, some hold evening or Saturday hours to help those who need an urgent appointment most.
Although the word toothpick suggests oral use, don’t be deceived by the term. Make smarter choices and take advantage of these tiny pokey sticks for other purposes, like checking if baked goods are done in the oven, doing small or detailed tasks with crafting or painting, and for making small, delicious appetizers easier to pick up for guests at a party.
About the Practice
With Beach Dental near so many communities, like Westhampton Beach, East Moriches, Manorville, and East Quogue, patients in these areas can have peace of mind when it comes to dental emergencies. Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli each have decades of experience working with complex cases, but they are happy to help anyone in need, even if the matter is simple. We have Saturday and evening hours available, so if you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 631-325-0731 or contacting us through our website here.