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Toothpicks can be used to clean out the food caught between the teeth. However, at the same time, they have gained attention as a potential health hazard and are under attack by physicians and dentists. There are several thousand toothpick related accidents, which occur each year. There have been a few toothpick-related deaths as well due to swallowing of the toothpicks, which would have punctured the stomach and/or intestine.

Minors, especially children aged 5 or younger are most frequently severely harmed by toothpicks; eyes and ears are the most frequently injured sites. This is because young children do not anticipate problems and try to play with these toothpicks. Toothpicks should always be kept in child-resistant containers.

Of the adult population, those aged between 25 and 44 most frequently swallow toothpicks. Alcohol and hors d’oeuvres make a dangerous combination when toothpicks hold the hors d’oeuvres together. Denture weavers should be especially cautious, as they do not have the ability to “feel” the toothpick. Neither do they have the same ability to discriminate objects being chewed as do non-denture weavers.

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Many dentists do not recommend toothpicks for their patients. An alternative is the ‘soft toothpick’, which is available at most pharmacies. It is called interdental stimulator and is available in a variety of flavors. The interdental stimulator is made of soft balsa wood, triangularly shaped (to more properly fit the space between the teeth) while the standard toothpick is made of harder wood. Also interdental stimulator does not splinter, which the standard toothpick can, causing gum injuries. If you use interdental stimulator, moisten it first to make it softer. This will prevent much potential injury.

Needless to say, toothpicks do no eliminate the need for brushing and flossing.