How To Brush Your Teeth Without A Toothbrush | Fortson Dentistry

At some point, just about everyone will find themselves without a toothbrush for a night or two. You might forget to put a toothbrush in your bag while traveling, or you could get caught spending the night somewhere unexpectedly. Although it might be tempting to just skip brushing for one night, this isn’t a good idea for keeping your teeth healthy.

Plaque can turn into a hard substance called calculus within just a few hours. Once this happens, the bacteria-filled crust sticks to your teeth where it is hard to remove without a professional dental cleaning. Over time, both plaque and calculus can lead to cavities and gum disease. Figuring out a way to brush without your normal oral hygiene supplies can prevent these problems from occurring, and these tips will help you maintain your teeth until you get a proper toothbrush and toothpaste.

Check to See If You Can Find a Toothbrush

There are times when all is not completely lost when it comes to dental hygiene. Some hotels offer complimentary toothbrushes as an amenity. While you may not find one in the bathroom with the shampoo samples, they’ll be located at the front desk. If you ask, then you might just be surprised to find out that your problem is solved within minutes.

The same may also be true if you are staying overnight at someone’s house. Many people keep a few spare toothbrushes around, and they may be willing to let you have one if they know that you have a need. It might not be your preferred type of toothbrush, but it should work in a pinch.

Use Your Index Finger

You can also figure out how to brush your teeth without a toothbrush by using this simple method. Start by washing your hands with soap and water (to make sure you get them good and clean, here’s a medical professional’s guide to handwashing). Then, take some toothpaste and put it on the end of your index fingertip. After you’ve prepped your fingertip, gently rub your finger across the surface of your teeth. As you do, don’t forget to hit the backs of your teeth and remember to reach all the way to your molars. You can also use gentle, circular motions as you go around your mouth much like you would with a normal toothbrush. This method won’t necessarily get into all of the nooks and crannies of your teeth, but it will help to brush away larger pieces of food particles along with plaque.

Rub Your Teeth with a Wet Washcloth

You might run into the issue of being without both a toothbrush and toothpaste. If this happens, then you can dip a clean washcloth into some water and rub it on your teeth. This works a lot like your fingertip to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Try to use a light amount of pressure and choose the softest washcloth that you can find to avoid irritating your gums.

Try Brushing with Just Water

Sometimes, you might be able to find a toothbrush but still lack toothpaste. In this case, you can just brush with a wet brush. You won’t get that minty fresh breath using this method but you’ll do some serious damage control by getting food residue off of your teeth. Keep in mind that the bristles on your toothbrush might still be slightly hard without having the toothpaste to work as a lubricant. Use water and brush gently to clean your teeth without causing damage to the enamel.

Brush With Mouthwash

If you happen to have mouthwash handy, then you’re in luck. You can dip your toothbrush into the mouthwash to freshen your breath and give your teeth a boost. Some mouthwashes contain fluoride, which can help to protect the enamel on your teeth until you can do a real toothbrushing routine. Your mouthwash may also contain antibacterial properties that further help to prevent cavities from forming.

Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

There are also a few toothpaste alternatives that you might be able to use. Many of the best alternatives have been used throughout history when it wasn’t so easy to just grab some toothpaste off of a supermarket shelf. You can make a homemade toothpaste by adding water to baking soda until it creates a kind of paste. Once you’ve mixed it up, you can use your finger or a toothbrush to brush away any grime on your teeth. Keep in mind that this DIY toothpaste may not taste great, but the bitter flavor will wash away after you rinse your teeth.

You never know when you might get caught needing to brush your teeth without your normal supplies. Whether you need to freshen up in the office bathroom before a meeting or dropped your toothbrush in the toilet, you won’t have to fret when you’re prepared with these tips. Now that you know what to do, make sure to follow through with it. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine makes your dental cleanings more comfortable, and you’ll feel good knowing that you’ve done what you can to take care of your oral health.

For all your dental needs in the metro Detroit area, be sure to set up an appointment at one of our Fortson Dentistry locations today.

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