Imagine you’re in the middle of a business meeting and it’s your turn to present. Moments after starting, you notice the audience isn’t looking at you, but at a piece of lettuce from lunch stuck between your teeth.
It’s an embarrassing scenario that many of us have experienced, and enough to make anyone carry a stash of toothpicks. But you may want to think twice before reaching for one. While toothpicks are a popular method for cleaning food out of your teeth and gums, they aren’t the best method. According to an article in the Daily Monitor, when used too frequently, toothpicks can be detrimental to your overall oral health.
Did you know toothpicks can cause tooth gaps? Overzealous picking can cause gums to recede, which creates more space between the teeth and gums. Wooden or plastic toothpicks can also scrape or damage sensitive gum tissue if they’re used excessively or improperly. Thankfully, there’s another easy-to-carry option that’s just an effective in the art of removing particles from teeth: dental floss. Flossing is not only more effective than most toothpicks, it’s generally a lot safer. Technique is still important to avoid stressing the gums.
The bottom line is that when used too frequently, toothpicks can cause more problems than they solve. Using dental floss to remove excess debris is a safer way to ensure the same clean smile. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can also help mitigate any problems caused by overzealous teeth cleaning. For the latest and best information about your specific needs, talk to your dentist. Schedule an appointment with the dental professionals at TenderCare Dental to help keep your smile bright and healthy.