Toothpicks may seem like a quick and convenient way to remove food stuck between your teeth, but many people don’t realize they can actually do more harm than good. While they’re commonly found in restaurants and at-home dining tables, using them regularly can pose risks to your teeth, gums, and dental work. Here’s what you should know before reaching for one.
They Can Damage Your Gums
Toothpicks are small, pointy, and rigid—exactly the kind of tool that can accidentally injure delicate gum tissue. Even a minor slip can poke or scratch your gums, leading to irritation or bleeding. Over time, repeated trauma can create small openings where bacteria can enter, increasing the risk of infection or gum recession. If your gums are already sensitive or inflamed, toothpicks can worsen the problem.
They May Wear Down Tooth Enamel
Wooden toothpicks may seem gentle, but their tips can rub against enamel as you maneuver them between your teeth. This friction, especially over long-term use, can contribute to enamel wear. Once enamel is weakened, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities, temperature sensitivity, and breakage. Using a toothpick occasionally won’t ruin your teeth, but relying on them as your primary cleaning method isn’t ideal.
They Can Damage Dental Work
If you have fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding, or bridges, toothpicks can pose an even bigger risk. The pointed tip can get caught on dental edges or lift material if you’re not careful. Some patients have accidentally loosened dental restorations or chipped fragile areas while attempting to remove food with a toothpick. Dental work is an investment—you don’t want a piece of wood compromising it.
They Don’t Clean as Effectively as Floss
While toothpicks may dislodge visible food particles, they don’t remove plaque, which is the real threat to your oral health. Plaque is soft, sticky, and clings to tooth surfaces and the gumline. Only floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers can effectively clean these areas. Relying on toothpicks gives a false sense of cleanliness while plaque continues to build up.
Safer Alternatives to Toothpicks
If food getting stuck between your teeth is a frequent issue, consider healthier options:
- Dental floss: the gold standard for cleaning between teeth
- Interdental brushes: great for people with larger gaps
- Soft picks: flexible and gentle on gums
- Water flossers: helpful for braces, bridges, or sensitive gums
These tools clean more thoroughly without damaging enamel or gum tissue.
Toothpicks aren’t inherently dangerous when used occasionally and carefully, but they’re far from the best option. For everyday cleaning—and for protecting your teeth and gums—stick with dentist-approved tools designed to keep your smile healthy.
About the Practice
Dr. Jay Oza is a 2012 graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry. He practiced in Stanford, CT and Jersey City before returning to Texas in 2014. Through his memberships in the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth Dental Society, he takes numerous continuing education courses to stay current with the latest developments in the dental field. If you’re in need of emergency dental services, Dr. Oza and our team can help! Schedule an appointment online or call (682) 772-3072.