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In 1986, researchers in Florida discovered 7500 year old Native American skulls with grooves in the teeth suggesting that probes were most likely used to make them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothpick#History
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Bronze toothpicks were found as burial objects in prehistoric graves in Northern Italy and East Alps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothpick#History
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Toothpicks became increasingly popular as it was very fashionable to chew on them. As many were whittled from wood, marketer Charles Forster began the productions of toothpick in the shape familiar to many now : a wood stick with sharp ends. http://www.slate.com/articles/business_and_tech/design/2007/10/stick_figure.html
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During the 1900s the addition of flavors on toothpicks occurred. This was to help refresh breath in favor of a breath mint. This also increased the popularity of toothpicks and its production. http://www.slate.com/articles/business_and_tech/design/2007/10/stick_figure.html
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As new products such as gum and mints entered the market toothpicks have slowly disappeared. Nowadays toothpicks are made of plastic and have bristles as they are meant to be used for dental purposes such as braces. http://www.talklocal.com/blog/2013/05/s/dentists/toothpicks-versus-dental-floss/
