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Personal Care and Style
Personal Hygiene
Oral Hygiene
Cleaning Teeth
3 Ways to Clean Your Teeth when You Don’t Have a Toothbrush Download Article Medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD
Last Updated: October 14, 2025 Approved
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Finding Alternatives to a Toothbrush
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Cleaning Your Teeth without Brushing
|
Using Alternatives to Toothpaste
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Expert Q&A
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This article was medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 440,504 times.
If you left on a trip and forgot to pack a toothbrush, or arrived at work or school without brushing your teeth, you can still get clean teeth with a little resourcefulness. A paper towel, twig, or even your finger can serve as a toothbrush, or you can eat certain foods to help keep your teeth clean in a pinch.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Finding Alternatives to a Toothbrush
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1 Use a washcloth or paper towel. A rough washcloth will do a better job of cleaning, but a paper towel will do if a washcloth is not available.[1]XResearch source
Wrap the washcloth or paper towel around your index finger, dampen it, and add toothpaste if you have some.
Brush your teeth as if using a toothbrush: begin at the gums and work down, cleaning each individual tooth with a circular motion.[2]XResearch source
Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly when done, swishing back and forth.[3]XResearch source
2 Find a twig. Before there were toothbrushes, most people brushed their teeth with twigs. In many parts of the world, they still do, using twigs from oak, arak, or neem trees. Research shows that twigs from the arak tree contain natural fluoride and antimicrobial agents, and brushing with them is as or more effective as brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste.[4]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Pick a young, flexible branch about 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 cm). You want one without real bark, only a thin skin.
Peel the skin off and chew on one end of the stick until the fibers separate, turning the end into a little brush. Use it to brush your teeth.
You can also use a toothpick to clean between teeth, but use caution so as not to hurt your gums and make them bleed.
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3 Make do with your finger. If no paper towels, washcloths, or twigs are at hand, you can always use your finger. Be sure to wash your hands very well first, then use your index finger as you would a toothbrush: begin at the gums and work down for the upper arch and work up for the lower arch, cleaning each individual tooth with a circular motion.[5]X Expert Source Jeremy Silverman, DMDDentistExpert Interview [6]XResearch source
Be sure to rinse your finger before moving from your top to bottom teeth, and from the front to the back of your teeth.[7]XResearch source
Rinse your mouth thoroughly when done, swishing back and forth and from one cheek to another for at least 30 seconds.[8]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Cleaning Your Teeth without Brushing
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1 Rinse with mouthwash. While mouthwashes should not be used as an alternative to brushing and flossing, they have been shown to kill microbes in the mouth and inhibit plaque formation.[9]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Put some in your mouth and swish it around for a minute to clean your teeth.[10]XResearch source
If you're using a Listerine mouthwash, dilute it with water at a 1:1 ratio.
2 Use floss to clean your teeth. If you forgot your toothbrush but remembered floss, then you’re in luck. Many dentists believe that flossing alone is more beneficial than brushing alone in fighting tooth decay.[11]XResearch source Floss helps remove bacteria and food between your teeth and around your gums. Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards for a more complete clean.[12]XResearch source
Flossing leads to better blood flow in the gums in order to create an antibacterial barrier of protection surrounding your tooth
3 Clean your mouth in the shower. Open your mouth and let warm water stream over your teeth. The shower will act like a water pick system, helping to rinse out your mouth and flush away plaque. Combine this with brushing with your finger for a more thorough cleaning.
4 Chew gum to clean your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to be as effective as flossing in removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from teeth. It also freshens your breath. The optimal length of time to chew is one minute, after which bacteria begin to be released back into the mouth from the gum.[13]XResearch source
Chewing sugar-free gum can also create the optimal balance of the salivary pH which disables the bacterial formation.
5 Drink or rinse your mouth with green teas. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant compounds that reduce plaque and fight gum disease.[14]XResearch source Simply drink the tea, or for a deeper clean, use it as you would mouthwash.[15]XResearch source
6 Eat fruits and vegetables that clean your teeth. The abrasive nature of fibrous vegetables can help to clean your teeth, while the vitamins and acids they contain have benefits for whitening teeth and fighting cavities.[16]XResearch source
Apples – Apples contain vitamin C, which is necessary for health gums, as well as malic acid, which helps to whiten teeth.[17]XResearch source
Carrots – Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which strengthens tooth enamel.[18]XResearch source The fibers in carrots can act as micro-bristles on the tooth surface and also in between your teeth, creating a natural massage of your gums.
Celery – Chewing celery produces a lot of saliva, which helps to neutralize the acids that cause cavities.[19]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Using Alternatives to Toothpaste
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1 Substitute baking soda for toothpaste. If you forgot your toothpaste as well as your toothbrush, you can use baking soda as a substitute. It is an ingredient in many toothpastes because of its ability to whiten teeth and remove plaque. Simply place some on your finger, paper towel, or washcloth before brushing your teeth.[20]XResearch source
2 Try a mixture of salt and water. Salt has natural antibacterial qualities and can eliminate some of the plaque-causing germs in your mouth when you don’t have any toothpaste. Combine 1–2 teaspoons of salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water and allow the salt to dissolve in the water. Then dip your finger, paper towel, or washcloth in the saltwater before brushing your teeth. You can also use the salt water to rinse your mouth out after brushing.[21]XResearch source
Don’t use too much salt or use this method frequently if you have metal fillings, as salt is corrosive.[22]XResearch source
3 Make a toothpaste with strawberries. Strawberries contain vitamin C to maintain gum health, a powerful astringent that helps remove plaque, and malic acid which whitens teeth. Alone or combined with baking soda, crushed strawberries are a good substitute for toothpaste.[23]XResearch source
Be sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing, as strawberries also contain sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Be aware that strawberries contain fructose. This is less dangerous to your teeth than sugar, but may still contribute to some decay. Check with your dentist before starting to use a homemade strawberry toothpaste.
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Expert Q&A
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Question What is a great, healthy toothpaste? Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015. Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Expert Answer First, you should listen to any instructions from your dentist and also brush correctly. You can use a natural herb toothpaste which may contain aloe, sage, chamomile or even clay. For increased protection leave the toothpaste on your teeth without rinsing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 22
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Warning
Make sure you do not depend on these methods. Keep up with your regular dental health regimen of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash at least two times a day and after meals.[24]XResearch source
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Medically reviewed by: Jeremy Silverman, DMD Dentist This article was medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute. This article has been viewed 440,504 times. 9 votes - 84% Co-authors: 43Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 440,504 Categories: Cleaning Teeth
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
To brush your teeth without a toothbrush, start by wrapping a damp washcloth or paper towel around your index finger and adding your toothpaste to the tip. Alternatively, if you don’t have a washcloth or paper towel, you can put the toothpaste directly on your finger. Then, rub your teeth in a circular motion like you would with a toothbrush, and make sure to brush your tongue, as well. When you’re done, rinse your mouth with water, making sure to swish back and forth to remove the debris. For more tips from our Dental reviewer, including how to clean your teeth when you can’t brush, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Yashvi Garg
Jul 20, 2020
"This article is awesome. This article helped me a lot as I was having so much pain in my teeth. And when I saw this article and started doing the same, after one week there was no pain in my teeth. So this article is really helpfull for me."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Jeremy Silverman, DMD Dentist Co-authors: 43Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 440,50484% of readers found this article helpful. 9 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
Yashvi Garg
Jul 20, 2020
"This article is awesome. This article helped me a lot as I was having so much pain in my teeth. And when I saw this article and started doing the same, after one week there was no pain in my teeth. So this article is really helpfull for me."..." more
Anonymous
Dec 12, 2016
"I don't want to cause a lot of disturbance in the house while everyone is sleeping. I believe putting toothpaste on a towel and rubbing will work well."..." more
Anonymous
Sep 10, 2016
"I liked how it helped me find alternatives to using a toothbrush, because I just dropped it in the toilet and I needed an alternative fast."..." more
James Silvia
Sep 27, 2021
"I just broke my toothbrush and won't have a replacement until 3 days from now. This will be useful in the meantime."..." more
Anonymous
Aug 4, 2016
"I have braces and I knew a paper towel wouldn't work, but the alternative of using a finger was great." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Medically reviewed by: Jeremy Silverman, DMD Dentist This article was medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute. This article has been viewed 440,504 times. 9 votes - 84% Co-authors: 43 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 440,504 Categories: Cleaning Teeth 
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1 Use a washcloth or paper towel. A rough washcloth will do a better job of cleaning, but a paper towel will do if a washcloth is not available.[1] 
2 Find a twig. Before there were toothbrushes, most people brushed their teeth with twigs. In many parts of the world, they still do, using twigs from oak, arak, or neem trees. Research shows that twigs from the arak tree contain natural fluoride and antimicrobial agents, and brushing with them is as or more effective as brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste.[4] 
3 Make do with your finger. If no paper towels, washcloths, or twigs are at hand, you can always use your finger. Be sure to wash your hands very well first, then use your index finger as you would a toothbrush: begin at the gums and work down for the upper arch and work up for the lower arch, cleaning each individual tooth with a circular motion.[5] [6] 
1 Rinse with mouthwash. While mouthwashes should not be used as an alternative to brushing and flossing, they have been shown to kill microbes in the mouth and inhibit plaque formation.[9] Put some in your mouth and swish it around for a minute to clean your teeth.[10] 
2 Use floss to clean your teeth. If you forgot your toothbrush but remembered floss, then you’re in luck. Many dentists believe that flossing alone is more beneficial than brushing alone in fighting tooth decay.[11] Floss helps remove bacteria and food between your teeth and around your gums. Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards for a more complete clean.[12] 
3 Clean your mouth in the shower. Open your mouth and let warm water stream over your teeth. The shower will act like a water pick system, helping to rinse out your mouth and flush away plaque. Combine this with brushing with your finger for a more thorough cleaning. 
4 Chew gum to clean your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to be as effective as flossing in removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from teeth. It also freshens your breath. The optimal length of time to chew is one minute, after which bacteria begin to be released back into the mouth from the gum.[13] 
5 Drink or rinse your mouth with green teas. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant compounds that reduce plaque and fight gum disease.[14] Simply drink the tea, or for a deeper clean, use it as you would mouthwash.[15] 
6 Eat fruits and vegetables that clean your teeth. The abrasive nature of fibrous vegetables can help to clean your teeth, while the vitamins and acids they contain have benefits for whitening teeth and fighting cavities.[16] 
1 Substitute baking soda for toothpaste. If you forgot your toothpaste as well as your toothbrush, you can use baking soda as a substitute. It is an ingredient in many toothpastes because of its ability to whiten teeth and remove plaque. Simply place some on your finger, paper towel, or washcloth before brushing your teeth.[20] 
2 Try a mixture of salt and water. Salt has natural antibacterial qualities and can eliminate some of the plaque-causing germs in your mouth when you don’t have any toothpaste. Combine 1–2 teaspoons of salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water and allow the salt to dissolve in the water. Then dip your finger, paper towel, or washcloth in the saltwater before brushing your teeth. You can also use the salt water to rinse your mouth out after brushing.[21] 
3 Make a toothpaste with strawberries. Strawberries contain vitamin C to maintain gum health, a powerful astringent that helps remove plaque, and malic acid which whitens teeth. Alone or combined with baking soda, crushed strawberries are a good substitute for toothpaste.[23] 
Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.