No Toothbrush or Toothpaste? No Worries!

During the holiday season lots of people will be away from home, but in all the excitement it’s easy to forget to pack essential items such as your toothbrush or toothpaste, or both! Fortunately, there are alternatives that will help get you by until you can purchase a proper toothbrush and toothpaste.

What to Do If You’ve Forgotten Your Toothbrush

If you’re staying at a hotel, ask for a complimentary toothbrush as most will provide this essential item. Otherwise, use a damp washcloth or damp paper towel and apply a small dab of toothpaste. Wrap the inside of the paper towel or washcloth around your index finger and gently rub the cloth against your teeth, cleaning the front and back surfaces of each tooth. Alternatively, use your index finger to brush your teeth, making sure your fingers are clean before applying a small amount of toothpaste to the tip of the finger. Use the same brushing motions you would make with a toothbrush to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces.

What to Do If You Forgotten Toothpaste

Hotels will also typically provide complimentary toothpaste so be sure to ask. Otherwise, if you have some mouthwash, this can be used in place of toothpaste. Just dip the bristles of your toothbrush in the mouthwash and brush your teeth as usual. Another option is to mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Use the paste to brush your teeth and rinse afterward because baking soda can leave a bit of a funny taste.