Are Toothpicks Bad for Your Teeth?

Toothpicks have been around for centuries and are still commonly used today to dislodge food particles from between teeth after meals. While they may seem harmless, many dental professionals caution against using toothpicks regularly, at least the wooden kind you find in restaurants or at home. So, are toothpicks bad for your teeth? The answer is more nuanced than you might think.

The Potential Risks of Using Toothpicks

Gum Irritation and Injury

Wooden toothpicks can be sharp and splinter easily, which may cause tiny cuts in your gums. Over time, repeated trauma can lead to gum recession, exposing tooth roots and increasing sensitivity.

Tooth Enamel Damage

Aggressive toothpick use can wear down enamel or scratch the surface of your teeth. This can make your teeth more vulnerable to staining, decay, and general weakening.

Damage to Dental Work

If you have fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges, toothpicks can sometimes dislodge or damage them. Accidentally wedging a toothpick too deeply between teeth could put extra stress on these restorations.

Risk of Infection

Splinters from wooden toothpicks can lodge in your gum tissue, leading to inflammation or infection if not removed promptly.

When Toothpicks Might Be Okay

Occasional, gentle use of a toothpick to dislodge stuck food isn’t likely to harm healthy teeth and gums, especially if you have no other tools available. However, it’s crucial to be careful. Choose a rounded, smooth toothpick and use light pressure to avoid injuring your gums.

Better Alternatives to Toothpicks

If you frequently find food stuck between your teeth, there are safer and more effective options than traditional toothpicks:

• Dental floss: Flossing once a day is the gold standard for cleaning between teeth and below the gumline.
• Interdental brushes: These small, reusable brushes can clean between teeth without scratching enamel and are great for people with braces or dental work.
• Soft picks: These flexible, plastic picks are gentle on gums and easy to use on the go.
• Water flossers: A water flosser uses a stream of water to flush out debris between teeth and along the gumline.

When to Talk to Your Dentist

If you constantly feel like you need to use a toothpick after eating, it could be a sign of a bigger dental issue, such as gum disease, tooth gaps, or uneven dental work. Schedule a checkup to see if there’s an underlying cause.

Toothpicks aren’t inherently “bad,” but they can do more harm than good if used too aggressively or too often. Switching to dentist-approved alternatives like floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers will keep your smile healthier and your gums safer in the long run.

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry is a native of Houston and a graduate of the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. He then completed a General Practice Residency with the United States Navy. Dr. Castleberry was an Amphibious Special Operation’s dentist with the United States Marines aboard the USS Peleliu, where he maintained the dental health of over 3,200 Marines and sailors. Today, Dr. Castleberry is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Greater Houston Dental Society, and the National Dental Association. If you’ve found yourself in a dental emergency, don’t hesitate – schedule an appointment now online or call us at (281) 971-3440.