No toothbrush? No problem. Here are your alternatives

What are the first few essentials that you never forget to pack while planning a trip? For almost everyone, it includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and towels. However, sometimes, it's so commonplace that you can forget packing one or some of them. And, nothing is more frustrating than realizing that a toothbrush has been left behind. This can put a damper on your relaxing vacation if you are not able to buy a replacement. 

Luckily, there are alternatives to give that freshly brushed feeling and are effective in removing plaque and food particles from the gums and teeth without having a toothbrush in hand. Even though nothing can clean teeth and gums as effective as a routine using a toothbrush, floss and mouthwash can do, here are a few ways that can help you make your teeth feel cleaner.

• Paper Towel

A damp clean, thick paper towel wrapped around your index finger can help clean off some plaque and food particles from your teeth, with or without toothpaste.

• Using Your Finger

If no paper towel is available to brush off the plaque and food particles from the teeth, you can use your finger. The rough surface of the finger can help to clear off the top surface of the teeth. However, before brushing teeth using the finger, wash hands really well. 

• Baking soda

Due to its tooth whitening properties and ability to remove plaque, baking soda has been widely used as an ingredient in many different toothpaste brands. If baking soda is available, place some on your finger or the paper towel to clean your teeth.

• Floss

Floss is a great alternative to brushing your teeth when you don't have your toothbrush in hand. Flossing properly will help you remove bacteria and food particles in the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. If the floss is scented, it will help to freshen your breath as well.

• Mouthwash

Though mouthwash should not be considered an alternative to the full teeth cleaning routine, it has great cleaning effects. Many types of mouthwash now contain teeth cleaning ingredients and fluoride. Therefore, if you have mouthwash available, pour some into your mouth and swish it around for a minute to clean your teeth.

• Textured Teeth Wipes

If you have textured teeth wipes available with you, you can clean your teeth and freshen your breath when you are not even near a bathroom or sink.

• Fiber-filled vegetables

There are some fiber-filled vegetables that can help clean your teeth when you don't have a toothbrush available. Chew on celery, apples, and carrots to clear food particles away from your teeth.

• Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can not only freshen your breath but can also loosen food particles and plaque from your teeth. 

• Use Twigs or Leaves

For those who find themselves without a toothbrush, small twigs and leaves are a good option to clean the teeth. Locate a bendable twig without bark, cut the end of the twig off, and use the fibers inside as your alternative for the toothbrush. 

Though these ways can help keep your mouth clean and fresh even when you aren't able to brush your teeth, make sure you do not make these part of your routine but use them only when you feel necessary. Never miss your regular dental health regimen of flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash at least two times a day. Also, do not skip your biannual dental visits for a clean mouth.