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Using toothpick to remove food remnant from teeth can harm the teeth and gums, a dentist, Dr. Alatishe Muhammad has warned.
Speaking in Ilorin on Thursday, Muhammad said that what was medically recommended was cleaning between the teeth at least once a day, using an interdental cleaner such as floss.
According to him, toothpick is not considered as an interdental cleaner, and as such it was not recommended for cleaning teeth.
His words:
“Using a toothpick is not an ideal way to remove something stuck between your teeth.
“Toothpicks can cause abrasion and damage to your teeth at the base where they meet the gums.
“This can lead to gum disease and other dental problems”
He recommended preventive dentistry for oral health.
He said: “Every age group can benefit from preventive dentistry, including the very elderly, the very young ones and also those without teeth where mouth cancer and denture stomatitis can be prevented.”
The dentist also gave the following tips for healthy teeth:
- Adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, adequate nutrition and less sugary substances.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Taking fizzy and acidic drinks with straw is better than alcohol.
- Brushing of teeth should be done at other times during the day and also last thing at night.
- Avoid visits to traditional homes to remove fictitious worms from the mouth.
- Regular checkups in approved dental clinics every three months and cleaning of teeth every six months.