Toothpicks work just fine. If someone is having problems either the toothpick is old and dulled down or they’re doin it wrong.
In a long-ago Archie comic book, Jughead asks Mr. Lodge (Veronica’s dad) for a match.
“Why, Jughead, I’m surprised at you! I didn’t know you smoked. Here’s my cigar lighter.”
Jughead waves it off, “Naw, I can’t pick my teeth with a lighter.”