Removing food particles from between one’s teeth using household items could be dangerous, finds a survey.
A National Dental Survey found over 60 percent of Britons use whatever is close to hand when they have food stuck in their teeth. They pick up items such as knives, scissors and even screwdrivers, reported the online edition of the Daily Mail.
Some confessed to using keys, paper clips, matchsticks, earrings, nail files, pencils, cards and forks.
“Flossing is a vital part of a good oral health routine, removing food particles from between the teeth and plaque from against gumline, said Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Foundation.
“The best thing to dislodge food from between the teeth is inter-dental wood sticks, as these are shaped specifically for this purpose. However, cocktail sticks are not and should be avoided.”
He added: “A screwdriver is hardly the most flexible of items and I do not think people realise the damage this could do to their gums.”