Food particles stuck between your teeth can cause dental decay and gum disease, so reaching for a toothpick might seem like a good idea. However, these ubiquitous pieces of wood can scrape away at your enamel, injure the gums, and lead to oral health problems in the future. Here are a few reasons dentists advise you to skip toothpicks and use healthier options to clean your teeth clean.

The Dangers of Using Toothpicks

Damaged Enamel

Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can break down under heavy friction by a pointy object. Even the smallest patch of damaged enamel leaves the door open for bacteria that cause tooth decay. In time, using a toothpick to clean out your teeth may lead to cavities and other serious problems.

Ruined Dental Work

Toothpicks can undo or damage existing dental work. Hitting a filling, crown, or veneer at the wrong angle can ruin the surface or even cause it to pop out altogether. In these cases, you may need a dentist to replace the damaged dental work before tooth decay sets in.

Safe Alternatives to Toothpicks

Floss is specially designed to clean spaces between your teeth without injuring enamel, dental appliances, or gums. Unlike toothpicks, floss promotes healthy teeth and gums by clearing out plaque. If you frequently find yourself reaching for a toothpick in restaurants, consider bringing a single-use flosser to remove those stubborn food particles.

Interdental toothbrushes are another excellent alternative to toothpicks. These specially designed brushes have smaller heads perfect for reaching areas regular toothbrushes can’t, removing annoying bits of food and preventing dangerous plaque build-ups.

With over 30 years’ experience and a wide range of dentistry services, Susan Kleier, DMD, is committed to keeping smiles throughout Lexington, KY, bright and healthy. Her friendly team treats every patient like family and takes pride in delivering the level of service they expect for themselves. Visit their website for more information on their services, follow their Facebook for oral health care tips, and call (859) 225-1188 to make an appointment with one of the area’s favorite dentists.