No toothbrush? Here are few convenient alternatives for you

Imagine you left on a trip and forgot to pack a toothbrush or arrived at work without brushing your teeth. Feels like a nightmare? Don't worry; you can still get clean teeth with a little resourcefulness - a paper towel, twig, baking soda, mouthwash, or even your finger can help you serve as a toothbrush, or you can consume certain foods to keep your teeth clean. 

A dental hygiene routine consisting of brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste and flossing afterward is the best way to get your teeth clean, but sometimes, you may not have a toothbrush handy to help you do that. Here is a list of convenient alternatives to carrying around your toothbrush to clean your teeth.

Use twigs for toothbrushes

Long before the invention of the toothbrush, early men have been found to use twigs and chewed-up sticks to clean their teeth. Some trees like oak and maple contain compounds that can reduce gum disease and fight decay. Sucking and chewing on the end of twigs will help clean your teeth and get your mouth plaque-free.

Eat fiber-filled fruits and vegetables to clean your teeth

Chewing on fiber-filled vegetables and fruits like apples, celery and carrots can help to clear away food particles from the teeth. Apples are slightly acidic and astringent, having a fibrous texture; they can clean off that furry feeling and freshen the breath. 

• Apples – Apples are a source of vitamin C, which is necessary for healthy gums, and malic acid, which helps to whiten teeth.
• Celery – Chewing celery produces a lot of salivae, which neutralize the acids that cause cavities.
• Carrots –Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. The fibers present in carrots can act like micro-bristles on the tooth surface and between your teeth, much like a toothbrush.

Rinse with mouthwash

Though mouthwashes are not alternatives to brushing and flossing, they have been proven effective in killing microbes in the mouth and hinder plaque formation. Take some mouthwash in your mouth and swish it around for a minute to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.

Use floss to clean your teeth

If you have dental floss in your hand, remembered floss, use it. Flossing helps eliminate bacteria and food that are stuck between your teeth and around the gums. Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward to get a clean set of teeth. Flossing also improves the blood flow in the gums to create an antibacterial barrier of protection surrounding your tooth.

Use chewing Gum

Chewing gum can loosen plaque and food particles that are stuck on your teeth and help to freshen your breath. Pop a piece of chewing gum in your mouth if you are worried about your breath or what is settling on your teeth after a meal. However, make sure that you choose a sugar-free variant.

Use your finger as a toothbrush

The easiest and most readily available method, use your index finger to clean your teeth. You can use your finger if no paper towels, washcloths, or twigs are at hand. Just make sure it's clean first.

Remember that these methods are just alternatives to be followed when your toothbrush is not readily available. Ensure that you do not rely on these methods daily as an alternative to your daily dental routine. Keep up with your regular dental health regimen of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least two times a day for having a radiant, healthy smile.