Dentist warns against use of toothpicks

A dentist, Dr. Machu Abraham, on Tuesday warned the public against the use of toothpicks to remove food particles.
Abraham, who gave the warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said that persons who frequently used toothpicks had an increased risk of losing their teeth.
He said: “Using a toothpick is not an ideal way to remove something that is stuck between your teeth.
“It really does not remove plaque.
“Toothpicks can cause abrasion and damage to your teeth and gums.
“This can lead to gum disease and other dental problems.”
According to the dentist, people who frequently use toothpick should desist from it, because this creates space in-between the teeth for bacteria to set in.
He said brushing the teeth twice daily and thoroughly was the only way to avoid storing food particles in the mouth.
The dentist also said that the bacteria in the mouth normally fed on food remnants in the mouth, thereby causing problems to the tooth and gum.
He said: “This is because they feed on the food and also pass waste products as they are living organisms, their waste product is also acidic.
“And this can cause problems to the tooth and the gum.”
Abraham said that when one had holes in the teeth, also known as dental infections, it could cause gum infection known as gingivitis of the gum.
He said that continuous awareness was necessary to educate the public on the dangers of using toothpicks.
He said: “We advise our patients to use dental floss after brushing to remove the debris in the teeth.
“Let us try to adopt this discipline because there are a lot of things we can do without.”
Abraham, therefore, recommended constant visit to the dental clinic as it would help prevent dental problems.