Toothpicks: For hors d'oeuvres, not teeth

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Have something stuck in your teeth? Use a toothbrush, dental floss, or an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. Save toothpicks for olives. If you use a toothpick to clean your teeth, you could injure your gums and let in bacteria.

June 06, 2019 See more In-depth

See also

  1. Brush up on how to brush your teeth
  2. Calcium
  3. Dental floss vs. water flosser
  4. Does flossing really make a difference?
  5. Dry mouth relief
  6. Oral health: A window to your overall health
  7. Sensitive teeth
  8. Time to buy a new toothbrush?
  9. Tooth flossing 101
  10. Want whiter teeth?
  11. When to brush your teeth