Toothpick, a kind of small stick, usually made of bamboo or wood, is a small tool used to remove food debris embedded in the Diastema. It is used as a tooth cleaning method to help brush teeth.
1、 The purpose of toothpicks
Remove the food debris embedded in the Diastema, and assist in tooth brushing. If used properly, it can not only clean the Diastema, but also massage the gums.
2、 Types and selection of toothpicks
Using a toothpick to clean the oral cavity is an ancient human habit. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, "willow branches remove wind, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, and their tender branches are cut into tooth sticks, which are very convenient for teeth." By the Qing Dynasty, gold and silver toothpicks with various decorative patterns appeared in China. Currently, there are various types of toothpicks used, including wooden, rubber, and plastic, including hard toothpicks and soft toothpicks. The use of wooden toothpicks is more economical and common. Whether made of wood or metal, the cross-section of toothpicks should be flat circular or triangular wedge-shaped, sharp and smooth without burrs, hard and not easily broken to reduce damage during tooth removal. The plastic toothpick made of plastic is in the shape of a dagger, and its tip and blade are round and thin, so it is easy to enter the Diastema. When removing stuck food, it does not damage the gums, and there are colored rough surfaces on both sides of the toothpick, which can gently rub against the root surface. When making toothpicks, essence or auxiliary agents, such as fluoride and peppermint oil, can be added to the raw materials to make people more willing to accept.
3、 Usage and precautions
1. Use once a day or after each meal.
2. The toothpick enters between the teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle.
3. The tip points towards the direction of occlusion, and the lateral edge contacts the gum between the teeth.
4. Slowly slide along the two tooth surfaces between each tooth, and do not use too much force too quickly.
5. Use the lateral edge of a toothpick to scrape along the tooth surface, especially in concave root surfaces and forked areas. The toothpick tip and lateral edge can be used to scrape and polish the tooth surface.
4、 The effect of toothpicks
The removal rate of stains on adults with toothpicks is about 50%, so it is better to use dental floss instead.
5、 Consequences of incorrect use
1. Toothpicks with lax disinfection and poor management can easily cause diseases. The various bacteria and viruses attached to the toothpick that anyone grabs can enter the human body through the toothpick. According to the health department's testing, tens of thousands of bacteria are actually "hidden" on a small toothpick.
2. Improper use of toothpicks can lead to periodontal disease. If there is no tooth stoppage, random tooth picking or incorrect use of toothpicks will cause gingivitis, gingival atrophy, and Diastema increase, which will lead to periodontal disease. Do not press toothpicks into the interdental papilla area, because this will cause periodontal disease due to the increase of tooth space without gaps.
3. Improper handling of toothpicks can endanger life. If you accidentally swallow a toothpick into your stomach, it can easily pierce your small intestine and endanger your life.