Have you ever reached your destination and realized you’ve forgotten an essential toiletry item? At one time or another, we have all had that moment of opening our toiletry bag and realizing there is no toothbrush or no toothpaste anywhere to the found. And, wondering how to maintain your dental hygiene?
If you’re staying in a hotel it’s not too much of a worry, they usually stock complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste in the room. But, what do you do if you’re camping and there isn’t a local store handy where you can quickly replace your missing toiletry item?
Never fear! You won’t have to spend your holiday with furry teeth or stinky breath. There are, quite a few, alternative options from a traditional toothbrush or toothpaste able to tide you to maintain your dental hygiene over until you can buy a real toothbrush or toothpaste. If you’re camping or simply outdoors, you can use a twig in place of your finger.
No Toothbrush? No Worries!
Damp Cloth or Paper Towel – Wet a small corner of the cloth and applying toothpaste (if you have any) and wrap the cloth around your finger. Gently rub the cloth over your teeth, making sure you being at the gums then clean the front and back of each tooth. Don’t forget to include your tongue in the clean, then simply rinse and you are done.
A Twig/Stick – Pick a flexible branch around 15-20cm long, without real bark, and peel the skin off. Turn one end into a brush by chewing one end until the filaments separate into a brush-like texture.
No Toothpaste? Don’t Worry!
Mouthwash – We are not referring to the traditional after brush gargle, this isn’t enough the remove the day’s plaque buildup from your teeth. Instead, dunk your toothbrush into your mouthwash, swirl it around to make sure the brush is fully saturated, and brush away. Now you are free to enjoy the day with the fresh, minty breath.
Baking Soda – Mix baking soda and water, in equal parts, into a gritty paste. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture and gently brush in circles. Brush for around a minute making sure you brush each tooth.
Wet Toothbrush – Brushing your teeth with a wet toothbrush, or toothbrush alternative, will help remove plaque and food particles and is far better than skipping brushing altogether.