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Toothpick

It is well known that proper oral hygiene requires a frequent and regular regimen of teeth cleaning in order to remove food particles and plaque from the teeth. The toothbrush is the most commonly used instrument for cleaning the teeth, however there are certain areas of the teeth that the toothbrush cannot properly clean. These areas include the interproximal spaces between adjacent teeth as well as the surfaces of the teeth close to and beneath the gum line. Therefore, dental floss has primarily been used by the patient to remove plaque from between the teeth. When used properly, dental floss removes plaque accumulating in the gaps between the teeth by a shaving or scaling action with the floss being slid back and forth between the interproximal spaces of the teeth. In addition to dental floss, there have been a number of rigid toothpick type devices used for the cleaning and scraping of the teeth. The purpose of flossing and tooth picking is to remove debris from between and within two teeth and the associated gum. Daily plaque removal is now considered most important in that plaque and tartar build-up is considered a significant factor in causing tooth decay, gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontal disease and possibly being involved in the destruction of supporting bone structure. A toothpick is a small pointed piece of wood, plastic, etc., for removing substances, especially food particles, from between the teeth of a user. Articles of that nature have long been provided in different shapes and configurations and on occasion such toothpicks have been provided in the form of metal articles having the appearance of gold or burnished brass with the intent that the user can carry the toothpick and have it available for selective use. Human beings have been using toothpicks for tens of thousands of years, the original toothpicks being twigs or slivers of wood or bone found just about everywhere. Tens of thousands of years before humans began brushing their teeth, this is the way the teeth were cleaned. Toothpicks are usually tapered to a point at one or both ends and are made of wood, plastic, stiff paper, metal, ivory or other materials that provide sufficient rigidity to expel particles between the teeth, yet narrow enough to fit into the interdental spaces. Toothpicks come is various shapes: straight, bent, round, flat, curved, and various combinations. Toothpicks are dispensed singularly, individually wrapped in plastic, in matchbook dispensers, in rolls to be broken off and used, and some are stored in containers.

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