Flavored Toothpicks

Nowadays, there are various types of toothpicks with different uses. They include the basic wooden types (both flat and round), colored wooden toothpicks, frilled toothpicks with one pointed end and the other end covered with multi-colored cellophane, colored plastic toothpicks, flavored toothpicks, etc.

The conventional use of toothpicks remains the same, i.e. for piercing bits of food and for cleaning in between the teeth after eating food. But, toothpicks, especially, the colored and flat wooden ones are also used for craft projects. One of the latest and innovative uses of toothpicks is as a mouth freshener. For this purpose, flavored toothpicks were introduced in the market. As per the manufacturers, these toothpicks can also help you in getting rid of habits like nail biting and smoking.

What are Flavored Toothpicks

These toothpicks are made by adding flavors to wooden toothpicks. There are various types of flavored toothpicks (with different flavors), like cherry-flavored toothpicks. Other flavors include cinnamon, mint, maple, bacon and wintergreen. These toothpicks are said to be beneficial for those who are trying to get out of any form of oral fixation like nail biting, smoking and snacking. You can use these flavored toothpicks, instead of smoking a cigarette or biting your nails or snacking. It is said to be better than candies or chewing gum, as they are free of sugar and calories. Some types like mint-flavored toothpicks and those flavored with cinnamon, orange, lemon, etc. can ward off bad breath too. These who have the habit of eating something or other, can get rid of their cravings by using these toothpicks. Thus, it can indirectly help in weight loss too. In short, these toothpicks can serve various purposes. You can also make them at home.

Making Flavored Toothpicks at Home

The following method is about making cinnamon toothpicks. In order to make cinnamon toothpicks, you need cinnamon oil (should be obtained from health food stores) and wooden toothpicks. You may also use flavored cooking oils like orange, lemon or peppermint for making toothpicks in those flavors. Take a jar and add one or two ounces of the flavored oil into it. Put the toothpicks and secure the lid. Let the toothpicks soak in the oil overnight. Next morning, take out the toothpicks and spread them on a non-absorbent surface like plastic sheet, wax paper or cookie sheet. Let them dry well, before storing in a zip pouch bag or other tight container. You can also use a microwave to dry the toothpicks. All you need to do is to place the cookie sheet with toothpicks in the oven, which is preheated to 250° F. It takes around five to ten minutes for the toothpicks to get dry.

Now, you have a basic understanding about flavored toothpicks and its uses. So, try the method discussed above, for making them at home. Make sure to use good quality products for this purpose, as cheap materials may affect your health. However, don't let children use these products.