A toothbrush and toothpaste should always be your first line of defense for a cleaner, fresher mouth. However, when you find yourself in situations where a toothbrush is not accessible, there are some alternative remedies that can get the job done. From your camping trip to your workplace, it’s helpful to know what options are out there that can refresh your mouth in a pinch.
- Baking Soda – You may have seen baking soda as an ingredient in your toothpaste. There’s a reason. It has been proven effective and safe for teeth cleaning and can simply be applied with your finger or a wet cloth.
- Chewing Gum – Here’s something you might already have in your pocket or purse. Gum works great to loosen debris in your mouth and refresh your breath. Furthermore, gum promotes saliva production, which is your body’s natural agent in neutralizing acids and fighting cavities. Be sure to choose gum that’s sugar-free!
- Herbs– You can eat mint, rosemary, and sage to combat bad breath or lingering tastes. However, that’s as far as it’ll take you because herbs do not actually clean your teeth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – You can actually make an effective mouthwash at home by using equal parts water and a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide can assist in healing canker sores, killing off bacteria living in the mouth and fighting gingivitis. However, please be careful to never swallow this mouthwash recipe.
While these alternative methods are perfect to use on occasion or when you’re in a pinch, it should not take the place of regular tooth brushing habits and routine dental checkups. Park South Dentistry is committed to helping patients achieve the healthiest smile, even amongst a busy schedule!
