Have you ever known someone who seems to constantly have a toothpick hanging out of their mouth? Or maybe you keep a supply of toothpicks handy for times when you get food stuck between your teeth? While toothpicks are ideal for picking up hors d’oeuvres at a cocktail party, they weren’t invented as a tool for teeth. The best thing you can do for your oral health is to get regular dental exams in Renton, WA. In the meantime, here are some tips for removing those bits between teeth.

Why Toothpicks Can Be Harmful

Toothpicks, especially the ubiquitous wooden ones, can irritate or even damage your gums. They can cause small cuts or push food deeper between the teeth, leading to inflammation or infection. Repeated use may also wear down enamel or harm dental work like crowns or bridges. While they may dislodge visible food particles, toothpicks don’t actually remove the plaque and bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease.

A Better Alternative is Flossing

Dental floss is the safest and most effective way to clean between your teeth. It removes both food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. If traditional floss is difficult to use, especially for those with limited dexterity, consider floss picks or pre-threaded flossers for added convenience.

Other Helpful Tools

Interdental brushes and water flossers are also excellent options. Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes that fit between teeth and work well for people with wider gaps or braces. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline, which are ideal for people with sensitive gums or dental implants.

Your mouth deserves more than a quick fix. Ditch the toothpick and choose tools that truly support your dental health. Your gums—and your dentist in Renton, WA—will thank you for it.