The History of the Ordinary Toothpick

Author: Mark Smith


The toothpick is one of the oldest implements used by man (and occasionally monkeys). In fact evidence exists that shows signs of Neandertthals picking their teeth before history was recorded. Until the invention of the toothbrush the dental tool of choice was a twig or sharpened stick; sometimes a piece of grass was used to floss- so stop wasting money on floss. Just kidding.

As time moved on the toothpick began to move up in certain circles. Bronze toothpicks (ouch) have been found as burial objects in some prehistoric graves in Italy and switzerland. The Romans produced fancy examples in silver and mastic wood. The Emperor Nero once entered a banquet hall with a sporty silver toothpick lodged in his kisser.

By the 17th century toothpicks reached their zenith as luxury items. Made from precious metals set with gemstones they were artfully stylized and enamelled for the stylin' set. The less fortunate made do with porcupine quills or twigs.

Today's toothpick came about as the result of the industrial revolution. With the invention of the automatic toothpick making machine by Charles Forster, the little tool kicked into high gear. The Forster style machines are still in use today. One log can produce a million toothpicks! They roll strip birch logs into thin veneers which are then cut into strips and finally stamped into the little objects that we know today.

The Cinnamon toothpick was born in 1949. Made by drugstore owner August T. Baden as treats for neighborhood children. Mr Baden closed the Cozy Corner drugstore in 1962, but continued making cinnamon toothpicks until he retired in the early '90s