Cinnamon toothpicks are either made from cinnamon wood or other woods that have been soaked in oil of cinnamon. People use cinnamon toothpicks for a variety of reasons, including oral hygiene, breath freshening, or to address negative lifestyle habits such as smoking or overeating. Some people also very much enjoy and appreciate the aroma and taste of cinnamon and may even use cinnamon toothpicks to add extra flavor to hors d'oeuvres.
In many countries, including the United States, cinnamon is a very popular and commonly used flavoring agent. This spice is often used to flavor candies and gums as well as desserts and pastries. Many cultures also use cinnamon in a variety of savory dishes, including meats, potatoes, and vegetables. Cinnamon is naturally sweet, and some researchers believe that inhaling its aroma can have positive effects on a person's mental state.
Historically many people have used toothpicks as a way of keeping their teeth clean and protecting their gums from irritation. Many restaurants, for example, provide toothpicks to customers as they depart. Flavored toothpicks are sometimes appreciated by toothpick users because they are coated with aromatic oils such as mint or cinnamon that leave a fresh taste in the mouth and can address bad breath caused by strongly flavored unscented cooking ingredients.
Many smokers who wish to quit or cut down on their use of cigarettes may use toothpicks as a way of addressing their inclination to constantly have something in their mouth. Flavored toothpicks, particularly those that are very strongly flavored, can really help as a smoker seeks to curb his cravings. Some manufacturers and retailers of cinnamon toothpicks deliberately use very intense and strong cinnamon flavoring so as to address the needs of those who use the toothpicks as a smoking cessation tool.
Another group of people who often make use of cinnamon toothpicks are those who wish to lose weight or banish sweet cravings. As cinnamon is sweet and spicy, many people may find that keeping a cinnamon toothpick in their mouth decreases their desire to reach for a sweet or high-calorie treat. Many companies sell cinnamon toothpicks in packaging that allows people to conveniently carry the toothpicks with them so that they are always accessible when needed to address temptation.
Many hors d'oeuvres are served or consumed with toothpicks. In some cases, sweet or even savory hors d'oeuvres may be enhanced if is served with cinnamon toothpicks. For example, some cocktail meatball recipes use cinnamon, and the use of a cinnamon toothpick to spear these meatballs can enhance their flavor.