Forgot Your Toothbrush? Five Alternatives to Explore When You Are Staying With Relatives

You're staying at a relative's house, and you've forgotten your toothbrush. If you don't have time to leave their house to go shopping for a new toothbrush, you can make do without it. Here are a few brushing alternatives to try:  

1. Brush with toothpaste and your finger.

If you can find a bit of toothpaste in your relative's bathroom, just put a dollop on your finger and use that to brush your teeth. Make sure to wash your finger before you start so you don't introduce a lot of bacteria into your mouth, and rinse your finger throughout the process to keep it clean.

Unfortunately, your finger won't get into all of the crevices your toothbrush does, but it helps to remove some plaque, gives your teeth a dose of fluoride and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.

2. Agitate a clean cloth over your teeth.

Whether you can find a bit of toothpaste to borrow or not, you can use a clean cloth to clean your teeth, if you don't like the idea of using your finger. If you have a rag, a clean bit of a shirt that you aren't planning to wear or another type of fabric, simply wrap a bit of it around your index finger and rub it against your teeth. Try to focus on your chewing surfaces and the areas between your gums and your teeth where debris and plaque can accumulate.

3. Rinse with mouthwash.

If you cannot find a toothpaste to borrow, even a shot of mouthwash can help. Just pour some in a cup and swish it around your mouth thoroughly. Although it doesn't directly clean your teeth, it kills some of the bacteria your mouth may be harbouring.

4. Make your own toothpaste.

If you don't feel comfortable asking your relative to borrow toothpaste or mouthwash but you have access to the kitchen, grab a bit of bicarb, and mix it with a few drops of water to form a paste. Then brush your teeth using your finger or a piece of cloth as explained above. Rinse thoroughly as the taste can be a little bitter for some people.  

5. Find a teeth-cleansing midnight snack.

If you don't feel comfortable looking through your relative's baking cupboards, but you've been invited to take snacks from the fridge, look for some carrots or other crunchy vegetables. Chew a few of these before bed, and their rough surfaces will help to clean your teeth. For further assistance. set up a dental check up with professionals.


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