Eating foods like corn on the cob, popcorn, and poppy seeds can land you with a piece of food stuck in your teeth. While your first instinct may be to reach for a toothpick, Parkcrest Dental believes there is a safer method to remove food than using toothpicks.
Why shouldn’t I use a toothpick?
While toothpicks are okay to use if you have no other options available, they shouldn’t be used regularly. When using a toothpick, it’s possible the toothpick can break and lodge bits and pieces of wood into your gum tissue. Some of them may not even be visible to the naked eye. When the gum is pierced or torn, bacteria can make its way into the open wound and infect the area. If you’re an avid toothpick user, your dentist can probably point out extra damage to your gums.
What should I use instead of toothpicks?
The ideal way to remove food from your teeth is with a type of dental floss. Flossing once a day can remove harmful plaque hiding in the hard to reach places in your mouth. Along with brushing, flossing is great at helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. If using regular nylon floss is difficult for you to use, there are many other different types of floss available to make flossing easy for you.
Who can help me with my dental health in Springfield, Missouri?
At Parkcrest Dental, flossing isn’t just for clean freaks. Clean gums and teeth helps prevent the risk of gum disease and oral health issues later in life. If you’re not sure how to floss, we’ll make sure you leave fully educated on flossing procedures. Contact us today or visit our location in Springfield, MO.
