Stop Using Toothpicks – Experts Warn Against Common Dental Mistakes

• Dental issues like missing teeth, gum disease, and bad breath can negatively impact self-confidence, social interactions, and mental well-being.
• Experts warn against self-medicating toothaches with over-the-counter drugs, as they can worsen the condition and delay proper treatment.
• Dentists advise against using toothpicks, recommending dental floss instead to prevent gum damage and widening of tooth gaps.

Dental health experts have raised concerns over the widespread use of toothpicks, warning that the habit could cause more harm than good to oral health.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at an oral health awareness rally in Ibadan, the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Adeola Akintola, cautioned Nigerians against using toothpicks to clean food particles from their teeth.

She explained that poor oral health can lead to social withdrawal and anxiety, as individuals with bad breath or visible dental problems may struggle to engage in social interactions. Additionally, dental pain can limit food choices and affect emotional well-being.

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Dr. Akintola explained that regular use of toothpicks can lead to gum injuries, widening of spaces between teeth, and even infections. Instead, she advised using dental floss, which is specifically designed to remove food debris without damaging the gums or enamel.

“Toothpicks can injure the gums, cause bleeding, and even create gaps between the teeth over time. These gaps can trap more food, leading to increased plaque buildup and a higher risk of tooth decay,” she stated.

Similarly, a dental therapist, Mrs. Fatimo Bilal, from the Dental Centre in Moniya, emphasized that poor oral hygiene practices, such as using hard-bristled toothbrushes or applying over-the-counter painkillers directly on teeth, further deteriorate oral health.

She recommended that individuals adopt safer dental habits, including using soft or medium-bristled toothbrushes, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for professional cleaning at least twice a year.

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Dr. Omowunmi Femi-Akinlosotu, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (Oyo State branch), added that the recent dental outreach was part of efforts to educate Nigerians on better oral hygiene practices, particularly in underserved communities.

Experts urged Nigerians to seek proper dental care and avoid self-medication, emphasizing that preventive measures are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

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