The Overlooked Dangers of Using a Toothpick

Toothpicks can be a handy tool when you have food debris stuck in hard-to-reach places, like in between your teeth, but many people don’t know that they aren’t good for your dental health. In fact, toothpicks can easily cause an accident, forcing you to visit an emergency dentist in Fleming Island.

They can get stuck between teeth, pick your gums, or even remove dental restorations, which is why toothpicks have become one of the dentist’s worst enemies. Using them long-term can result in an emergency dental visit, so here’s how to prevent that.

Why Aren’t Toothpicks Good for Your Dental Health?

Although toothpicks are practical and easy to use, they might not be the most sensible or secure option when removing food from your teeth.

• If a toothpick breaks and becomes lodged in your gums, it can cause inflammation and pain—especially if it’s not removed immediately.
• A toothpick’s sharp tip makes it simple to pierce your gums or cut your mouth by accident, leaving an open wound susceptible to bacteria that cause infections.
• Toothpicks may damage dental restorations like veneers and fillings. If there is an issue or gap in an existing dental restoration, it can be greatly exacerbated by using toothpicks, which can lead to loosening, fracturing, or even loss of these restorations.

Prevent Needing an Emergency Dentist in Fleming Island

Using a toothpick can seem like a simple and stylish solution—if you like cowboy movies, that is. However, using a pointy object in a delicate area like your mouth can easily result in accidents and more dental visits.

Instead, using dental floss or interdental brushes, which can be easily used anywhere, is a much better solution. If you want to learn more from Fleming Island Dental Care about protecting your smile, reach out!