|
Q: Are toothpicks a useful tool for keeping teeth healthy?
A: Toothpicks have been around for centuries as tools for dental
hygiene. They've been made of wood, chicken bone, ivory, silver,
steel, gold and porcupine quill. Grooves found in fossilized human
teeth have led anthropologists to believe that picking one's teeth
is one of the oldest of human habits.
While toothpicks are no longer considered one of the main tools
for dental hygiene, they're okay when used carefully. They can be
useful in dislodging a chunk of food stuck between teeth. The danger
is in the overly energetic use of them. Used too strenuously, they
can also dislodge veneers or caps and damage tooth enamel. Digging
too much can cut gum tissue and exacerbate root wear. This can be
particularly problematic with older people whose gums have begun
to recede and have exposed tooth roots.
Under no circumstances should use of a toothpick be considered an
alternative to brushing and flossing. Overuse of toothpicks will
eventually cause damage that could be painful and expensive to
repair. Talk with your dentist about the proper use of a toothpick.
|
Top
