Most people are familiar with the frustrating sensation of having a bit of food, like a popcorn kernel, get stuck in their teeth or gums. In addition to causing irritation, foreign objects can also increase the risk of developing other oral issues, such as an infection.
You might feel tempted to pry the lodged item with a toothpick, but doing so could cause a dental emergency. As a result, many dentists recommend other options, like contacting them for an appointment instead. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential problems caused by using toothpicks!
Concern #1: Damaging Gum Tissues
Toothpicks are small, thin, and usually made from wood, such as birch or bamboo, though they can also sometimes be made of plastic or certain metals. Regardless of the materials, they typically have pointed ends, which would seemingly be ideal for removing anything that’s become stuck in your teeth or gums.
But the sharp devices can easily cut the soft tissues inside your mouth, such as your gums or the insides of your cheeks or lips. Unfortunately, lacerations in the mouth tend to bleed, and if they’re severe enough, could require sutures. Bacteria in your mouth can also penetrate any wounds to cause an infection. You might try rinsing your mouth with water to get rid of whatever’s trapped there while rinsing away unwanted germs.
Concern #2: Wearing Down Enamel
Did you know that enamel is that hardest substance in the human body? It’s even denser than bone, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Toothpicks can scrape or gauge the protective outer layer of your teeth, which doesn’t grow back. The more damage it sustains, the more likely you are to develop chips, cracks, cavities, or other concerns.
If you’re considering using a toothpick to remove something stuck in your smile but want to protect your teeth, you might try carefully flossing the affected area instead. This can get rid of lodged food or other objects gently while preventing further harm.
Concern #3: Making Matters Worse
You might think a thin toothpick is the perfect way to clear your teeth and gums, but in many cases, patients accidently make matters worse. For example, you might push the stuck item deeper between your teeth or beneath your gums so that it’s harder to remove it. It’s also common for small bits of wood to splinter off toothpicks and become trapped in your teeth or gums, which can cause additional aches, inflammation, or infection.
If rinsing your mouth out or flossing carefully doesn’t help, you can contact your dentist for an emergency visit. They have the right experience, technology, and instruments to preserve your dental health while safely extracting whatever’s stuck in your smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Austin Barker is committed to helping patients of all ages build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Utah School of Dentistry, and today, he offers a complete menu of services, including same-day emergency visits, to meet you and your family’s unique needs under one roof. If you have something stubborn trapped in your teeth and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (615) 900-5704.