Toothpicks are found in nearly every home, restaurant and event. They are rounded wooden sticks with sharp tips; the frequent use of which is damaging to the health of the gums and teeth.
The average Nigerian loves eating meat so he has toothpicks handy. The urge to use toothpicks arise when there are strands of meat stuck between the teeth which can be very annoying until gotten rid
of. Regular use causes widening of the space between the teeth and allows more food particles pack between the teeth causing further irritation and damage. This happens because the toothpick is wider than the space it occupies i.e. the inter-dental space(space between the teeth).
of. Regular use causes widening of the space between the teeth and allows more food particles pack between the teeth causing further irritation and damage. This happens because the toothpick is wider than the space it occupies i.e. the inter-dental space(space between the teeth).
Aside from the widening of the inter-dental space, the toothpick could also break while in use and may get stuck between the teeth causing pain and discomfort.
People who have gum irritation usually have a strong urge to poke the area continuously which they enjoy. They also find themselves sucking between the teeth; a habit which is harmful to the health of their teeth.
The key to preventing this is stopping the use of toothpicks and imbibing the healthy habit of flossing. Dentists recommend using dental floss at least once daily to get rid of food particles stuck between the teeth. The dental floss is a thread-like material which slips in and out of the spaces between the teeth with ease.
It is designed to go between the teeth without causing damage to the surrounding tissues; it also gets food particles out completely and faster than the toothpicks.Visit your dentist if you notice food packing between your teeth regularly as this may be an indication your tooth has a pocket or a hole(Tooth decay).