Stick-y Situation: Are Toothpicks Bad for My Teeth?

Have you ever been eating a handful of popcorn only to realize that a thin kernel just slid beneath your gums or between two teeth? This can be incredibly irritating and can potentially attract harmful bacteria that contribute to oral issues, so it’s understandable that you want to remove it as soon as possible.

You might even feel tempted to find a toothpick to try to remove the trapped material, but this might cause more problems than it solves. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential risks and why it’s better to contact your emergency dentist for help instead!

Concern #1: Damaged Dental Work

You might think that a toothpick is the ideal instrument to try to remove something that’s lodged in your teeth or gums. After all, it has an incredibly narrow, pointed tip to help reach into small places, like beneath your connective tissues or between sections of enamel.

However, these small sticks can also accidentally pry away pre-existing dental work, such as a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. Unfortunately, this exposes the underlying tooth to bacteria in your mouth and increases its vulnerability to further injury, disease, or decay. You can avoid the cost of the repairs by contacting your provider for an emergency visit to safely remove whatever’s trapped in your teeth.

Concern #2: Broken Bits in Your Mouth

Toothpicks aren’t invincible and tend to fray easily at the tips. If you’ve been nibbling on one or are trying to use it to pry something free from your mouth, it could start to break and leave small pieces or splinters behind.

If you’re already feeling sore or swollen because of something lodged in your grin, the last thing you need is to add to your discomfort! You might try rinsing your mouth with water or flossing carefully to gently remove the stuck object, but if that doesn’t help, it’s best to call your dentist’s office for a same-day appointment.  

Concern #3: Potential Infection

The pointy end of a toothpick can also potentially cut the tender tissues inside your mouth, like your gums or the insides of your lips and cheeks. If germs in your mouth penetrate these lacerations, it can trigger infection and irritation requiring treatment to resolve.

Not only that, but any bacteria that may have gathered on the tip of the toothpick can be introduced into your mouth, which can also increase the risk of certain oral concerns, such as gum disease.

Fortunately, your dentist has the experience and state-of-the-art technology to provide emergency care to address your concerns while safeguarding your smile!

Meet the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley takes pride in helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and today, he participates with several prestigious organizations to remain current with contemporary technology and trends. He is passionate about offering a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency visits, to meet you and your family’s unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (405) 751-5515.