Toothpicks are the oldest dental tool in existence – found in every culture worldwide, with their first recorded use dating back nearly two million years. Dental care has come a long way since then, however, and we’ve developed far more advanced tools to help keep your smile bright and healthy. Even still, the toothpick never fell out of fashion for some folks, and it’s not that uncommon to see someone pull one out after a good meal. But despite their storied history, many wonder if toothpicks are safe to use on your teeth.  

The answer is a bit of a mixed bag. The good news is that occasional toothpick use is unlikely to cause any significant damage to your teeth or gums, but the bad news is that regular use does come with risks – risks that grow the more often you use them.

If a toothpick slips, or if you’re using just a bit too much force, it’s possible to damage or even puncture your gums. Most of the time, your gums will heal on their own or with a simple first aid routine of rinsing with salt water, applying pressure and icing the area, but more severe damage could require emergency dental attention.  

Splintering is also a concern, given that toothpicks are typically made from wood. They can degrade and fall apart easily, leaving small splinters in your mouth, gums and throat. These splinters, if left unnoticed, can lead to inflammation, pain or dangerous infections.

If you happen to be in the habit of chewing on your toothpick, the risks are even higher. Inhaling or swallowing a toothpick can even be fatal, as the sharp wood can easily poke holes in your stomach or intestines. And this isn’t as uncommon as you may believe. In fact, thousands of choking incidents are reported every year from people accidentally ingesting toothpicks.

But avoiding toothpicks doesn’t mean you need to leave irritating and unsightly food stuck between your teeth. Interdental brushes – small, flexible brushes designed to fit between your teeth – are a great alternative to the traditional wooden toothpick. They offer the same cleaning ability as floss without the dangers of a toothpick.  

If you have any questions about your oral health, toothpick-related or otherwise, don’t hesitate to schedule your next appointment with us. Our patient-first philosophy is tailored to your needs, and intentionally designed to make sure your time in our chair is as easy and pleasant as possible. Just use the orange “Book Online” button on the right to schedule your visit today!