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Posted on 9/20/2018 by Dr. Brandon Cooley |
 Anytime you eat a meal, you run the risk of getting food stuck between your teeth, and you may need something to remove it. Everyone has crevices and spaces in between their teeth and when we chew our food, chances are, some pieces and small particles will get stuck. Depending on how big that space is, it will become very uncomfortable to have that piece of food there after you are done eating lunch or dinner. When you're out and about, you won't be able to brush your teeth or use floss for hours. Using a toothpick is very popular, and many people carry some with them everywhere they go, but could utilizing this utensil hurt your mouth? Are Toothpicks Safe to Use?Using a toothpick may be a quick way to get that annoying piece of meat from between your teeth, but if you notice blood on the tip, it could be a problem. If the toothpick is made of wood and you chew on it, those small pieces can break apart into fragments that can hurt your gums, tongue, cheek, and teeth.If a small piece or the whole toothpick gets stuck in your throat, it can also be uncomfortable and could become lodged there, you could need surgery to remove it. Plastic toothpicks are safer in that regard but chewing on that material can also cause dental problems, and the edges can be so sharp that they puncture the tender gum tissue. While using a toothpick to remove a piece of food stuck between your teeth quickly, it is safer to use something like floss for the same purpose. We don't recommend you chew on either a wood or plastic toothpick because the repetitive motion can damage your teeth and result in jaw pain. Let us know if you have any other questions about using toothpicks and we will happily answer all of your questions for you. |
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