No Toothbrush? No Problem! How to Clean Your Teeth Without a Brush
Posted on: 8 August 2016
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Have you ever found yourself without a toothbrush? Perhaps you are unexpectedly staying over at a friend's house or you forgot to pack one when going away on a trip. Below is a guide to 5 ways you can keep your teeth clean when you don't have access to a toothbrush.
Finger magic
If you can get hold of some toothpaste—there's likely to be some lying around in the bathroom—you could try the classic toothpaste on the finger trick. Simply use your finger as a substitute brush. You won't be able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth but try to be as thorough as possible. Remember to thoroughly wash you finger beforehand to avoid introducing bacteria into your mouth.
Use fabric
Find a clean piece of fabric—this could be a piece of clothing or a clean cloth—and use it to rub the surfaces of your teeth clean. If you can find toothpaste, squeeze a little onto the cloth beforehand, if not you can still give them a basic clean this way. Once you have rubbed your teeth as thoroughly as possible, rinse your mouth out with water.
Mouthwash
If you can find some mouthwash in the bathroom, give your mouth a good long rinse. This is a good quick fix. It won't clean your teeth thoroughly but will help kill bacteria in your mouth and will generally make you feel fresher.
Snacking
If you have access to the fridge, why not make yourself a tooth cleansing snack? Crunching your way through vegetables like carrots and celery can help to clean your mouth by scraping away bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth.
Chewing gum
Sugar-free gum is a good tooth cleaning agent, particularly if it contains the active ingredient xylitol, a chemical which had been proven to attack oral bacteria. Chew a stick or two when you wake up to freshen your mouth and get your teeth cleaner.
Obviously, nothing will get your teeth as clean as a proper brushing but you don't have to suffer dirty teeth when you make an unexpected stopover or if you simply forget your toothbrush. Follow these steps for a temporary oral hygiene fix and as soon as you get access to a toothbrush and toothpaste, give those nashers a proper brushing!
For further information on oral hygiene and tips on how to care for your teeth make an appointment with your dentist.