According to the Academy of General Dentistry, using a toothpick is fine when no other options are available and if you are very careful. But dentists don’t recommend them for regular use. The problem? A piece of the wood can break off and get lodged in the gum tissue. Once the gum tissue is pierced, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. If you are, or have been, a frequent toothpick user, your dentist is likely to notice some damage to your gums during a dental exam.
Why not a toothpick?
The main problem or risk you take when using toothpicks is that a piece of wood can break off and get lodged in your gum tissue. See below for more reasons you should avoid using toothpicks:
- Spaces between teeth: When a toothpick is used in the same spot frequently, it can create space in between your teeth. This leads to more food getting stuck and even cavities.
- Damages tooth enamel: Toothpick users tend to chew on the wood itself which can wear down enamel.
- Damages tooth roots: Heavy use of toothpicks can shift your gum down to expose more of your tooth’s root. This makes it much more likely to be damaged.
What to use instead?
Dentists can agree that the ideal way to remove food from in between your teeth is with dental floss. Flossing once a day removes leftover food stuck in hard to reach areas, but it also removes plaque that builds up in between your teeth.
Here are a few tips to start making flossing part of your daily routine:
- Create Flossing Cues: One of the easiest ways to remind yourself to floss more is to create a flossing cue, a way to remind you to do it. This can be as simple as a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or a reminder alarm on your phone. There are even dental apps that help you set reminders such as Brush DJ. The app helps you to brush your teeth for the full two minutes to a randomly selected song from your playlist.
- Chunk Floss: Studies in neuroscience show that one way to create a new habit is by chunking the desired one with something you already do. This action, called ‘habit-chunking’ can work for flossing too. Pick something that you do every day, dental or non-dental, and put floss there. Before you do that daily habit, floss first. By chunking, you basically trick your brain into creating a new habit without thinking too much about it.
- Stash Floss Everywhere: If you only floss by the mirror, it may seem like a time-consuming chore, ut if you have it stashed in places like your purse, pocket, car, or by the TV, you can do it when you have any extra minute. So, stock up on floss, LOTS OF IT!
- Find the flossing product that works best for you: Not everyone has to use string floss. Some find it difficult to maneuver while others think it is just plain slimy. If you have sensitive teeth and gums that bleed easily, choose a soft floss that slides easily and comfortably between the teeth. There are also many alternatives to string floss such as floss holders, floss picks, and water flossers.
Types of floss:
- Traditional Waxed Floss – this is the typical offering. The wax can help make it easier to get the floss between your teeth so if you have really tiny spaces this could be a good option for you.
- Non-waxed floss – The lack of wax might make the floss a bit thinner, but the absence of the wax acting as a lubricant might make it a little more difficult to thread between your teeth.
- Floss Threaders – these handy tools are especially great for individuals with braces or permanent retainers. You can take your floss and place it inside the threader and then use the threader to guide the floss where you need it to go.
- Electric or Water Flossers – these handy tools can be great for those who really can’t get into the regular routine of flossing, they use a combination of pressure and water to clean away plaque and stuck food from the hard to reach areas between your teeth. These are great options but might not clean the entire area. They can be a little more expensive and they might make more of a mess during your daily routine.
We know toothpicks might make you look cool, but they aren’t a sustainable tooth cleaning method. Next time you want to reach for a pick, grab the floss instead to keep your mouth healthy and happy.
Call our treatment coordinators if you have any questions, they will be happy to assist you.
Toothaches can be very painful. Often times tooth decay is the culprit but there are many other possibilities for your tooth pain.
Tooth decay may lead to cavities if you don’t receive treatment. Cavities occur when acids and bacteria break through the enamel and eat away at the delicate tissues inside the tooth. This can expose the nerve, causing mild-to-severe pain.
What are possible causes:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth (a bacterial infection inside the center of the tooth)
- Broken tooth
- Cavity
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding or clenching teeth
- Infected gums
- Eruption (teeth coming out of the gums) or removal of a tooth (for example, wisdom teeth)
Prevention:
Following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
Treatment:
Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary. A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
Remember that twice-yearly visits to the dentist are beneficial in preventing oral health issues from forming in the future, so schedule your appointment at Fox Dental now.
The cost of a root canal varies depending on which tooth is affected and the complexity of the problem. Molar teeth typically have more canals which cause a greater degree of difficulty.
Aside from your treatment and dental care needs, consider the following cost factors:
- whether or not you have insurance
- whether you pay out-of-pocket
- whether you have other financing considerations
Many dental insurance policies at least partially cover the treatment. A ballpark estimate for the root canal treatment itself (not including a dental restoration following the procedure) performed by a general dentist could range from $500 to $1,000 for an incisor and $800 to $1,500 for a molar.
Will dental insurance cover my root canal procedure?
Whether or not your insurance will cover your root canal procedure will depend on your particular plan, but it is common for dental insurance plans to cover 50% – 80% of the cost of a root canal after the deductible has been met.
Finding a dentist in-network can provide significant savings. For an out-of-network provider, by contrast, you will pay a percentage of the dentist’s full, non-discounted fee.
Note that the dentist fee includes all appointments and X-rays necessary to complete the root canal treatment. Also, note that these fees do not include the final restoration of the tooth.
Will a root canal hurt?
The procedure of a root canal can be performed by your dentist and though it often evokes a scary response, when done properly by an experienced dentist the procedure shouldn’t be painful.
The most important thing to do if you have severe tooth decay is to first find a local dentist that has the team and experience necessary to properly treat you. The sooner you get to the dentist whenever a problem arises, the higher the chances of success your procedure will have. That’s why we encourage Lemoyne area residents to contact Fox Dental for root canal and treatment needs.
Don’t wait! Fixing your tooth now can save you from more pain later!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, and discomfort you should contact us now at 717-761-0341 and get it taken care of before it gets worse. A root canal is nothing to be afraid of and when done properly by an experienced dentist, it can be a painless procedure. We’re available to treat patients in the Lemoyne area for a root canal.
