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What To Do If You Don’t Have A Toothbrush?

Have you ever arrived at school or work without brushing your teeth? What to do if you don’t have a toothbrush during a summer trip? Don’t worry because there are still many ways to get your teeth cleaned without a toothbrush. From your finger, a twig to a paper towel, you can try the following tips to keep your mouth fresh and free of harmful bacteria. Read on to learn more about what to do if you don’t have a toothbrush.

1. Paper towel or washcloth

A paper towel or rough washcloth can be a handy option for cleaning your teeth when a toothbrush (manual or electric) is not available. All you need to do is to wrap it around the index finger, then add toothpaste and dampen it.

Brush gently as if you are using a toothbrush, starting at the gums and move down. Keep in mind to use a circular motion for each tooth and your tongue. Once you’ve done, rinse thoroughly by swishing water back and forth.

Check out this clip to see how it’s done:

2. Twig

Many people have used twigs to brush their teeth long before the creation of electric toothbrushes. In many countries around the world, twigs from neem, arak, or oak trees are still a conventional cleaning method. Many studies have revealed that these parts of a tree contain antimicrobial agents and natural fluoride, which can be as effective as toothpaste.

Just pick a flexible, young branch which is around 5 to 7 inches long and has a thin skin without bark. After that, peel off the skin and chew on one side until the fibre separates and turn it into a brush. Toothpick also has the same effect, but make sure to use cautiously to avoid bleeding and hurting your gums.

3. Your finger

If you can find twigs, washcloths, or paper towels, your finger is always available for use. Keep in mind to wash your hand thoroughly before using the index finger to clean your teeth. Start at the gums and move down to the upper arch and the lower arch. Use a circular motion to clean each tooth. Once you have done, rinse off your mouth carefully for at least 20 seconds to remove the remaining components.

4. Mouthwash

While mouthwashes shouldn’t be an alternative to flossing and brushing, they are effective in getting rid of microbes in your mouth, as well as inhibiting the buildup of plaque. You just need to put some in the mouth and swish around for at least 1 minute. If you use Listerine, make sure to dilute with water.

5. Floss

If you forget your toothbrush but remember floss or waterpik, then you are in luck. Most dentists think that flossing alone can be more beneficial in preventing tooth decay than brushing. This technique helps get rid of food and harmful bacteria around the gums and between teeth.

Also, it can enhance the flow of blood in your gums, thus creating an antibacterial protective barrier around your tooth. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after flossing for a perfect clean.

6. Shower

Another simple way is to clean your teeth during a shower. Simply open up your mouth and allow warm streams of water to flow over the teeth. A shower might work as a water pick unit which helps to rinse out the area and flush away all plaque. For better results, combine this method with brushing by your index finger.

7. Sugar-free gum

Sugar-free gum can be helpful as flossing by eliminating bacteria, plaque, and food articles you’re your teeth. Also, it can freshen the breath and create a pleasant fragrance. Ideally, you should chew 1 minute at most. A longer period will make bacteria come back from the gum.

8. Vegetables and fruits

Some veggies and fruits contain abrasive properties which can clean your mouth and teeth. Also, the acids and vitamins might be beneficial in fighting cavities and whitening teeth. Some common options include:

  • Celery: Celery contains lots of salivae, which can neutralise acids causing cavities.
  • Apples: This fruit contains vitamin C and malic acid, which can whiten your teeth and promote healthy gums.
  • Carrots: High in vitamin A, carrots can strengthen your tooth enamel. Also, its fibres can work as micro-bristles between the teeth and on their surface to massage the gums.

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