A toothpick is a piece of plastic or other substance such as wood (in this case it may be known as an interdental woodstick) used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth.
The indispensablility of the toothpick is apparent in the fact that the plastic version of this device is a firm component of the Swiss Army knife.
History
The toothpick has existed for thousands of years; it is probably the oldest instrument for dental cleaning. Toothpicks are well-known in all cultures. Before the toothbrush was invented, one cleaned one's teeth with hard and soft dental woods. Toothpicks made of bronze have been found as burial objects in prehistoric graves in Northern Italy and in the East Alps. It was also well-known in Mesopotamia.
It is said that the tyrant Agathocles was killed in 289 BC through by slow working poison, which a favourite slave gave to him in a toothpick.
There are delicate, artistic examples made of silver in antiquity, as well as from mastic wood with the Romans.
In the 17th century toothpicks were luxury objects similar to jewelery items. They were formed from precious metal and set with expensive stones. Frequently they were artistically stylized and enamelled.
Nowadays, since the advent of modern dentistry, the use of toothpicks is rather rejected, and aids such as dental floss and toothbrushes are preferred. Due to recent breakthroughs in flavouring technology, the toothpick continues to remain popular with many people.
Maine is the leading producer of toothpicks for the United States.
In South Korea, to encourage people to be more environmentally friendly, some companies make edible toothpicks. They are made of sweet potatoes. These toothpicks are clear looking and soften slowly when exposed to hot water.
Many people chew on toothpicks
