Toothpicks: are they harmful, types and features, how to use

Due to the structure of teeth, food tends to get stuck in crevices. At home, you can get rid of leftover food using various methods. For example, use a toothbrush or floss. But when a person has lunch in a public place or at work, it is not always possible to use oral care products. In this case, toothpicks come to the rescue. They are widely used in food service establishments, and some people use them at home. Here is a list of the most popular toothpick models for 2022 with their pros and cons.

Who invented toothpicks

A toothpick is a small, pointed device designed to painlessly remove food debris stuck between the teeth and gums.

Today, toothpicks can be found in every catering establishment, in office cafeterias, as well as in the kitchen at home. Based on archaeological excavations, scientists have concluded that people used these objects in the prehistoric period - about 1 million years ago. Then they were made from bird beaks, fish bones, etc.

In the 8th century, dental sticks began to be made from bird feathers, mainly chicken or goose raw materials. And only from the middle of the 19th century did wood become the main material for their production. The first toothpick-making machine was patented in 1872 by J.P. Cooley and Silas Noblet. At that time, the size of the product was 2x2x65 mm.

Photo: Aviora individually wrapped toothpicks

The best bamboo toothpicks for 2022

Bamboo is the most common material for making toothpicks. From a huge list of companies, the best, according to buyers, were:

• "Qualita";
• "Aviora";
• "Gelesta".

Article "QUA-6240" from

Purpose: maintaining cleanliness of the oral cavity.

A product with a blunt end to prevent gum injury. The sticks are sharpened at both ends and have antibacterial properties. Suitable for skewers to form a festive buffet table.

The contents are placed in an ergonomically shaped glass jar. The lid closes tightly to prevent dust from entering.

"QUA-6240" from , packaging design and contents

Main characteristics:

bamboo toothpicks Qualita

Advantages:

• natural composition;
• safe use;
• inexpensive;
• Possibility of household use.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Article "8609565" from

Purpose: for health.

Toothpicks pointed at both ends, one of which has a refreshing coating for the oral cavity (menthol). Each stick is individually packaged in paper and placed in a cardboard box.

This product is suitable for cigarette lovers. It is also convenient for public institutions to purchase - economically and profitably.

box of toothpicks "8609565" from

Main characteristics:

bamboo toothpicks Aviora

Advantages:

• quality;
• a large number of;
• profitable purchase;
• environmentally friendly product;
• will not peel off.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Article "13235" from

Purpose: for cleaning teeth.

Smooth, double-sharpened chopsticks are useful in the kitchen for snacks and for brushing teeth. The tips are slightly rounded, so they do not injure the enamel during use. Very thin, allow you to clean hard-to-reach places.

bamboo sticks “13235” from in a jar

Main characteristics:

Gelesta toothpicks

Advantages:

• convenient container;
• from natural raw materials;
• solid;
• good quality.

Flaws:

• Sometimes you get a defective batch: a lot of broken ones.

Benefits and harms

The advantage of a toothpick is its convenience in public places where using a toothbrush is not possible. This device is especially important for people who have large gaps between their teeth, where food debris accumulates. Dental sticks also help remove plaque that has formed in the space between teeth.

The possible disadvantage of toothpicks is due to two factors: their direct use and the mistakes made during this process. Provided your teeth are healthy, you can remove food particles from your mouth by regular rinsing. Particles getting stuck in or between teeth indicate problems. Which can only be resolved by contacting a dentist. Using a toothpick in this case will only complicate the situation.

Health risks include:

1. Damage to gums. The accumulation of food in periodontal pockets and interdental spaces indicates the presence of periodontitis - an inflammatory process that provokes tooth mobility with subsequent loss. A toothpick does not completely remove food debris, but only aggravates inflammation, which over time takes on an aggressive form. Lack of medical attention for the accumulation of food particles is a common cause of root caries. This pathology often leads to tooth extraction. In cases where treatment is possible, it is a rather complex and expensive process.
2. Spread of infection. Even with the use of disposable toothpicks, it is impossible to prevent the development of stomatitis and gum inflammation. During the cleaning process, many pathogenic microorganisms settle on this device. Their combination with bleeding, often resulting from accidental damage to the gums, leads to the occurrence and development of stomatitis.
3. Damage to the gums by a splinter. Even on polished products, as a result of pressure and exposure to saliva, the pointed tips split into fibers and often become a thorn in the gums. Subsequently, such a problem often develops into inflammation. The tips of plastic toothpicks dig into the gum tissue, causing a purulent inflammatory process. Moreover, a part of a plastic toothpick stuck at the edge of the gum leads to a wedge-shaped defect and caries.

In some cases, dental sticks do not reach stuck food particles, but, on the contrary, bury them deeper and deeper.

Rating of the best plastic toothpicks for 2022

The best manufacturers of this range of steel:

• "Toothpick No. 1";
• "Dr. Steve";
• "Steelcon".

Model "8948134" from

Purpose: for sensitive teeth.

The peculiarity of the shape in comparison with wooden sticks: one end resembles the shape of a knife blade, the other - a toothbrush. The handle has grooves on both sides, which prevents it from sliding in the hand when cleaning the oral cavity. The sharpening configuration follows the shape of the tooth spaces and does not injure the gums.

These products can be used by people with braces, dentures and special dental structure. There is no need to make any special efforts when cleaning. The sticks are placed in a case that you can take with you everywhere.

Appearance of the toothpick and packaging “8948134” from

Main characteristics:

toothpicks Toothpick No.

Advantages:

• convenient case;
• effective cleansing;
• does not injure the gums;
• functional;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Products "Flostik" from

Purpose: removal of dental plaque, food particles.

Toothpicks with thread are made of light green plastic, packed in a plastic bag that closes tightly thanks to a special mechanism. The head bends, allowing you to comfortably clean your chewing teeth. Due to its enlargement, it penetrates below the gum line.

Note! It can be sold with a different set: 10, 30 or 50 devices. In addition, the company offers various flavors: coconut, chocolate, coffee, honey, lime and much more.

To avoid harm, before the procedure, carefully read the operating instructions.

“Flostik” from , view of the packaging from the outside

Main characteristics:

toothpicks Flostik Dr. Steve

Advantages:

• model with floss;
• multifunctional;
• convenient use;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Model "9879" from

Purpose: for dental care.

Plastic toothpicks with a thread at one end are designed for more thorough cleaning of the oral cavity. They give fresh breath and remove plaque. Thanks to their structure and shape, they easily reach hard-to-reach places, providing gentle care.

"9879" from in the package

Main characteristics:

bamboo toothpicks Stilcon

Advantages:

• instructions with photos on how to use;
• nice smell;
• inexpensive for trial;
• quality.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Types of toothpicks and their features

Modern dental sticks are classified according to several indicators: materials of manufacture, sizes, additional functions, etc. Also, these products can be either disposable or reusable. Sharpened on one or both sides.

By material

Depending on the material of manufacture, dental sticks can be:

• wooden - made from birch, bamboo and other wood species, most often have two pointed ends;
• plastic (plastic) – characterized by the possibility of reusable use;
• silicone – have a flexible base that allows you to clean the space between the teeth without causing harm to the gum tissue;
• titanium - they are strong and durable, but at the same time require the most careful handling.

By color

Today, the range of toothpicks is characterized by a variety of shades. They can be: white, black, green, pink, multi-colored, and also imitating the color of natural wood.

By the presence of flavoring

Manufacturers offer both flavored toothpicks (mint, menthol, strawberry, etc.) and regular ones (unflavored).

Special impregnations of dental sticks not only provide fresh breath, but also perform a number of different functions, for example:

• normalization of intestinal function;
• antiseptic effect;
• saturation of gum tissue with vitamins.

The taste of the products can be as follows: coconut, lemon, green tea, kiwi, wild berries, chocolate, menthol, etc.

By age criterion

Toothpicks are produced not only for adults, but also for children. Children's products can be purchased both in pharmacies and in children's stores. The products are sold in packages along with instructions for use, transfer stickers, and a toy designer.

Additional items

Toothpicks with brushes and dental floss allow for more thorough cleaning between teeth, eliminating food particles and bacterial plaque.

Toothpicks with nicotine

Nicotine dental sticks are used as hygiene products, to alleviate the condition when quitting nicotine and in places where smoking is strictly prohibited.

Varieties

There are two main types of toothpicks:

• Wooden. Made from bamboo or birch. May have one or two pointed ends.
• Plastic. Unlike wooden ones, they can be used several times. They are washed, dried and reused.

Wooden toothpicks with different flavor properties are popular. One of the most popular of these “delicious” toothpicks is cinnamon toothpicks. These are ordinary wooden toothpicks, the ends of which are soaked in cinnamon resin and then thoroughly dried.

What to do if a toothpick gets stuck in your teeth

It is not recommended to try to remove a dental stick stuck in the interdental space yourself, since such manipulations will only worsen the situation. In this case, you must immediately make an appointment with a dentist, who will help you remove the toothpick from your tooth.

Profitability of the planned business

The price of a toothpick machine will pay off much faster if you find regular wholesale buyers of the finished product as soon as possible. And to increase income, you can not only sell large quantities of goods, but also accept private orders. For example, producing toothpicks with a logo would be an excellent side hustle.

To start production, funds in the amount of at least 2,000,000 rubles will be required, since in addition to purchasing special equipment, it is necessary to prepare the premises for work and purchase the first batch of raw materials.

Toothpicks are sold wholesale at a price of 3-10 rubles. for plastic packaging (100 toothpicks each). And by selling 500,000 of these packages, you can have revenue of up to 5,000,000 rubles. Net profit in this case can amount to ≈300,000 rubles/month.

Which is better: toothpick or dental floss?

Toothpicks are convenient for getting rid of visible food debris, for example, meat fibers. This product can be used discreetly without leaving the table, turning away slightly or covering yourself with your hand. But their disadvantage is the high risk of damage to gum tissue and the inability to perform high-quality cleaning of gums from plaque.

Using dental floss is much safer; it is almost impossible to damage the enamel and gums. Proper use of this device allows you to effectively clean the interdental space. However, dental floss cannot be applied directly at the table. For manipulations related to cleaning, you need to go to the bathroom or another room.

Video: How toothpicks are made at the factory

Based on this, we can conclude: toothpicks are most suitable for situations where you need to quickly remove large particles of food. As for dental floss, its use is recommended daily in the evening to clean hard-to-reach areas of the dentition.

Technological process for making toothpicks

Before you start purchasing professional equipment, you need to understand the question of how toothpicks are made. The technology is extremely simple and is divided into several stages:

• Preparation of wood raw materials (soaking in warm water, removing bark, sanding logs).
• Obtaining blanks (sawing logs into plates ≈2 mm thick, drying, resting, cutting plates into “straws”).
• Product processing (grinding and cutting into strips, sharpening each toothpick).
• Packaging of finished toothpicks.

Only the first preparatory stage is performed manually. And then the production of toothpicks is fully automated.

Sivak – toothpick made of arak wood

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “ I commanded you to use siwak (the root of the arak tree, used for cleaning teeth), because it has ten wonderful properties: 1) it cleans the teeth; 2) pleases the Lord; 3) angers Satan; 4) those who use it are loved by the Merciful Allah and the angels; 5) it strengthens the gums; 6) reduces mucus; 7) refreshes the mouth; improves vision; 9) eliminates bad odor from the mouth and stomach. The use of siwak is sunnah ." Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “ Namaz with siwak is seventy times more valuable than prayer read without its use ” (Ibn Hajar al-Askalani).

Sivak (miswak) is a yellow, tan or gray colored stick that is used by Muslims to clean teeth and freshen breath. Siwak is made from the roots and branches of Salvadora persica, known to most Muslims under the Arabic name “al-arak” or simply “arak”. This remarkable plant, which is of great importance in the daily life of every Muslim, is found wild in the deserts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Western and South Asia.

Arak is an evergreen shrub with numerous branches and small twigs or a small tree up to 3.5 m high with a wide, low crown. It has a very developed root system, allowing the plant to gain a good foothold in the soil and extract water from great depths.

The leaves are fleshy, of various shapes - from oval to lanceolate, with a sharp or blunt tip, smooth, shiny, ash-green. The flower is goblet-shaped with four white-green rounded petals. The fruit is a berry 6–7 mm in diameter, yellow or reddish in color with a strong aroma and a sweet, slightly pungent taste.

The wood of the roots and branches of the tree is penetrated by a large number of alternating layers of thin-walled vessels and thick-walled fibers. This structure gives arak wood both softness and flexibility. If you crush the tip of a stick made from the wood of roots or branches in one way or another, then a kind of brush is formed in this place, in which soft and hard bristles alternate, almost ideally suited in their mechanical properties for cleaning tooth enamel. This ideal natural brush has been used by Muslims all over the world to brush their teeth for over 1,400 years.

The most prized item is siwak, made from the roots and branches of trees that grow in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Here you can find it in any store that sells Islamic paraphernalia. A sign of a good siwak is a fairly strong and pleasant smell, taste and flexibility. Sivak allows you to do without toothpaste, and you can use it at any time, anywhere.

In The Canon of Medicine, Abu Ali Hussein Ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina argued that the best tree for making toothpicks is the one that has astringent properties and a burning taste (arak and olive tree). There he also wrote about how to use sivak correctly: “It is also necessary to constantly clean your teeth from what gets stuck in them, without inserting the toothpick deep and far - this harms the gums, loosens the teeth, destroys the shine and enamel of the teeth and predisposes them to the perception of the outflow of vapors that rise from the stomach. If you use a toothpick in moderation, it gives shine to your teeth, strengthens them and your gums, prevents the formation of cavities and gives a pleasant smell to your breath.”

If sticks from branches or roots have been stored for a long time and have become dry and hard, they should be placed in water for a while, where they will swell and become soft.

After using the siwak, it is advisable to wash it, as the wife of the Prophet Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) did, whose words on this matter are given in one of the hadiths: “ The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used the siwak and gave me to wash it .” When the bristles at the end of the siwak wear out, they need to be cut off and done again.

It is advisable to use Sivak even for those who do not have teeth, since this action strengthens the gums, has a healing effect on the entire body and, above all, is sunnah. Sivak contains natural substances that have a variety of effects on the human body. The most important of them are those that have an antibacterial effect, equally well suppressing the proliferation of pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Another, no less important group of tannins prevents bleeding gums. Natural substances contained in the branches and roots of the tree have an effective effect on the oral cavity, preventing the development of periodontal disease, gingivitis, caries and the formation of tartar.

Using siwak

How to use siwak? First you need to scrape off the bark at a distance of 0.5 cm from the end, then chew this place or break it with a hammer until it turns into a kind of soft brush, then carefully, but not forcefully, wipe the teeth from the outside and inside, along and across. Anyone who is going to brush their teeth and massage their gums with siwak for the first time should be prepared for the fact that its taste will seem somewhat harsh, and a burning sensation will arise in the mouth, somewhat similar to that caused by mustard. But this sensation, which is created by the aromatic essential oil, is evidence of the good quality and beneficial effect of the siwak, and one quickly gets used to it. It is believed that as a result of gum massage and the simultaneous exposure to essential oils, which have a somewhat pungent taste, active points located in the oral cavity are stimulated, which regulate the functioning of the ears, eyes, nose, tongue and pharynx. These points also regulate the functioning of the digestive organs and cardiovascular system. Siwak massage of active points in the oral cavity also helps maintain a clear mind and memory until the last minutes of life.

Thus, only one siwak, used with faith in the soul and with intention on the lips, can replace a large number of medicines for a mere mortal.

The arak tree is a real gift from Allah to people, helping to maintain health, since all its parts contain natural substances that have a healing effect

A decoction of young branches has anti-fever and anti-ulcer effects.

The leaves of the plant, which taste like mustard, were added to food by local residents as a seasoning and harvested as fodder for camels. The juice of the leaves, which has a local irritant effect, was used externally as a rub for rheumatism, and taken internally, it was considered an antidote to poisons of all kinds.

Flowers contain essential oil, which has a stimulating effect. An infusion of dried flowers was recommended for use as a mild laxative.

Sweet-tasting, aromatic edible fruits replaced local residents with sweets, which also had a medicinal effect. They served as a medicine that stimulated the nervous system during depression and had a diuretic and carminative effect.

The resin, which is abundantly released at the site of damage to the bark of trunks, was used as incense and was part of cosmetics.

In the old days, peoples living in the desert obtained much-needed salt from the ashes.

It should be remembered that a siwak is not just a toothbrush, so before using it you need to make a mental intention to cleanse for the sake of Allah.

Karagishiev

INFOGRAPHICS

Calculating the costs of starting a new production

The demand for this product is constantly growing, toothpicks have begun to be used for household purposes: in the form of a skewer for stringing ready-made dishes, as well as for various creative or artistic purposes. The price of toothpick equipment is decreasing as competition increases. The units necessary for production can be used in other industrial areas, which makes the risk of purchasing them minimal.

Main financial costs:

• registration of a new company – 20,000 rubles;
• a complete set of equipment for the full launch of a new production, including secondary equipment - RUR 1,100,000;
• rental of a site for the production of toothpicks – from 40,000 rubles;
• raw materials for production (wood, packaging material), including delivery – 160,000 rubles;
• wages for employees of the new company – from 40,000 rubles;
• unscheduled expenses - 30,000 rubles.

Total: 1,390,000 rubles.

Important aspects:

1. At the first stage, the volume is quite small; on average, this is the processing of 100 cubic meters of wood. With properly adjusted production, you can produce at least 200,000 finished products per work shift.
2. Packaging toothpicks will not be so expensive if the packaging material is purchased in bulk.
3. For a small production, two workers are enough, who will replace each other in shifts. An entrepreneur can temporarily take over the functions of a sales manager.