Toothpicks are no laughing matter. They can be a serious part of your marketing strategy. You won't find toothpicks a priority on talk show programming, but they can do your customers a lot of good. When used properly, toothpicks provide improved oral health—inexpensively. They more than pay for themselves by lowering dentist bills. Some contend that if a person could only use either toothpicks or floss, the toothpicks do more good.

After brushing and flossing, a toothpick rubbed near the base of each tooth stimulates the gums. It also helps remove plaque and tartar build up. When done regularly, dentists may not have to scrape as hard to remove the deposits. Maybe your customers won't celebrate your life, but if your toothpicks help reduce pain and suffering at the hands of the dentist, they'll remember your business name.

1. Use toothpicks in business promotions.

2. Know the diverse toothpicks market.

3. Remember the toothpicks at company parties.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide your customers with toothpicks information and oral care tips

Show your customers you care about their oral hygiene. Give them toothpicks. As their toothpicks provider, also hand them instructions on the proper use of toothpicks. Make sure the toothpicks and instructions come imprinted with your business name. They make ideal advertising. Custom printed toothpicks are great at weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions.

I recommend: You can order custom imprinted toothpicks at Wagner Match. Wagner Match is a Colorado company. You can also find customized toothpicks at Extra Mile Promotional Products in Syracuse, Indiana.

Pick the right toothpicks

Toothpicks may be straight, flat, round or curved. Even the tips vary. Tips may feature cotton, cellophane or dental floss, among other things. Some toothpicks are made of wood and others of plastic. You can even buy engraved sterling silver toothpicks. Although silver toothpicks are too small for vampires, they are reusable. You probably ought to wash a silver toothpick between applications and--ick--never share it.

I recommend: A great place to find therapeutic dental toothpicks is Dentist.net. Get sterling silver toothpicks at JMcKinley.com.

Choose toothpicks providers with proven track records

If you plan a celebration at work, spice up the party with flavored and decorative toothpicks. There are more uses for toothpicks than might immediately come to mind. Besides picking your teeth, you can use them for hors d'oeuvres, skewers at cheese sampling parties and a whole picking bunch of other things.

I recommend: Make sure any toothpicks provider is dependable. Include Party Maker on your toothpicks list. They supply frilled toothpicks great for all occasions. Party Maker is in South Carolina and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Check out the nostalgic flavors in toothpicks directory of products at Candy Crate. Flavors include hot cinnamon, mint and extreme.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pin meat turnovers or empanadas with wooden toothpicks when frying or baking. This holds the pastry together and prevents the meat from spilling out. And--duh--make sure you removed the toothpicks before eating the meaty pastries.