The Art and History of the Toothpick

The history of the toothpick dates to prehistoric man, 1.8 million years ago. It is our oldest tool with continuous use over the millennia. It began as a simple natural object and evolved into an object of art, craft, innovation, and novelty. It is NOT what you expect, and you WILL be surprised at what you see. The book documents a collection of more than 1,500 toothpicks and compendiums that include toothpicks showing over 2,800 images, demonstrating the vast diversity in style, complexity, and creativity as an art form for such a historically utilitarian instrument. The collection spans classical antiquity to the late Victorian era. It is likely the largest collection of toothpicks that currently exists.

Dr. Steven Potashnick received his dental training at SUNY Buffalo and the University of Pennsylvania. His career included private practice as well as academic dentistry. His passion for collecting focused on toothpicks in the early 1990s and continues today.