A toothpick is a small stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal or other substance used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. Some toothpicks are made from animal bones as opposed to wood. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth.

They can also be used for picking up small appetizers (like cheese cubes or olives) or as a cocktail stick. American wooden toothpicks are cut from birch wood. Logs are first spiral cut into thin sheets, which are then cut, chopped and milled into the individual toothpicks.

Maine is the leading producer of toothpicks for the United States. Worldwide, Brazil has the highest export rate of toothpicks. The toothpick has been around longer than our species.

The skulls of Neanderthals, as well as Homo sapiens, have shown clear signs of having teeth that were picked with a tool.

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