Creative director: ANDREW CUSHING

CopyWriter: Kemi Ajisekola

illustration: Dan Blaushild

Sunstar GUM wanted to drive awareness of their dental pick product designed to promote healthy gums and teeth. So we sourced stories from real people in the BuzzFeed community that humorously called out some (maybe) relatable and (definitely) regrettable shortcuts used on the path to oral hygiene.

"I tried to use a pen once, and I ended up writing on my cheek."

"I tried to use a pen once, and I ended up writing on my cheek."

"I think the worst was when I used my Metrocard."

"I think the worst was when I used my Metrocard."

"Don't judge me: 1. Plastic straws. 2. Sewing thread (that's the only one that works). 3. A fork. 4. A spork. 5. A business card (too thick). 6. A paperclip. 7. A sewing needle! 8. A safety pin."

"Don't judge me: 1. Plastic straws. 2. Sewing thread (that's the only one that works). 3. A fork. 4. A spork. 5. A business card (too thick). 6. A paperclip. 7. A sewing needle! 8. A safety pin."

"I've used my fingernail, but I bite the fingernail off then use the nail sliver as a toothpick. I've also used a piece of bone from the chicken wing I just ate, a plastic straw, candy, a piece of the popcorn bag that I rip off in the movie theater.…

"I've used my fingernail, but I bite the fingernail off then use the nail sliver as a toothpick. I've also used a piece of bone from the chicken wing I just ate, a plastic straw, candy, a piece of the popcorn bag that I rip off in the movie theater... Pretty much anything I find on the floor."