How to Clean Your Teeth Without a Toothbrush
Have you ever gone on a trip and realized you forgot your toothbrush? Maybe you’re camping with your family and discover you’re lacking your favorite dental tool. In that horrible moment, you see your dental health crashing before your eyes as visions of heavy plaque and cavities invade your mind. Then you probably thought: “there’s got to be a way around that.” Good news, there is a way to take care of your teeth amid such awful situations. Just collect your toothpaste, yourself and a paper towel—or napkin if paper towels are scarce.
Brushing Without a Toothbrush
Wet the paper towel a little bit and squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto it.
Wrap the paper towel around your finger and brush like it was a toothbrush. Be as thorough as you can to ensure your scraping off most of the plaque.
To “brush” your tongue, you’ll just have to enact the classic scraping-with-your-teeth trick.
Rinse thoroughly. Swish back and forth and sideways and whatever else you’ve got up your sleeve to ensure your teeth will be as clean as can be.
If you have mouthwash or floss, go ahead and use them the best you can. Floss and swish to your heart’s desire to further the cleanliness of your pearly whites.
Brushing Without any Dental Supplies
Sometimes, it isn’t just your toothbrush that’s missing. Every now and then, the whole arsenal of dental supplies will be where you aren’t and you’re in a situation where a toothbrush won’t come easy. Luckily, there’s a way to clean your teeth until you can get a hold of something better.
Wash your hands thoroughly, but don’t dry them.
Use your wet finger to rub across your teeth and gums on one side.
Rinse your finger and repeat the second step on the other side of your teeth.
Wrap a wet paper towel around your fingers and rub it over your teeth. Cover as many areas as you can with the paper towel and be as thorough as possible.
Rinse your mouth especially well with forceful swishing in all areas.
Helpful Tips for Where You Are
If you’re at a hotel when you discover the absence of your dental supplies, go ahead and call the front desk. Most hotels can provide a toothbrush and toothpaste for you if you’ve forgotten yours.
If you’re out camping with the family without a toothbrush, you can scout out a green twig. Clean it as well as you can and chew on the end until the fibers fray. You’ll have yourself a homemade toothbrush to glide across your teeth.
DO NOT go very long without brushing your teeth with an actual toothbrush. These tactics certainly help when you’re in a pickle, but don’t compare to the effective brushing of a toothbrush.
