4 dangers lurking when picking teeth

Dentists recommend brushing or flossing as a safe way to clean food stuck between teeth.

Toothpicks are a great help when you have food stuck between your teeth. At first glance, toothpicks, which are usually made from bamboo, seem completely harmless. But there are actually some potential health risks associated with the habit.Here are reasons why you shouldn't use toothpicks regularly.

Tooth wear

Slow tooth wear can occur when you use toothpicks frequently. Tooth wear can become more severe, causing holes or pits in the teeth. This is especially true if you use toothpicks to poke between your teeth with too much force.

Gum damage

It is not uncommon for sharp toothpicks to cause bleeding gums. Over time, this can lead to gingivitis and other gum disease. Especially if bacteria or pathogens enter the wound.

Teeth become weak

Tooth mineral density can decrease if you use toothpicks frequently. Especially if the position of the tooth where food gets stuck is not changed. As a result, the tooth becomes weaker and more food gets stuck in it.

Broken tooth enamel

Tooth enamel, or the outer layer of your teeth, can be damaged if you frequently use toothpicks to remove food stuck in your teeth. If your enamel is damaged, you may experience tooth sensitivity when drinking ice water because the protective layer is eroded.

According to Dantri