When picking a toothbrush and toothpaste, there are many things that should be considered. Some people might even find themselves wondering if using a toothbrush with toothpaste does much more than other alternatives.
The reality is: Toothpaste is an essential part of good oral hygiene. A quality toothpaste does a better job than other alternatives, like baking soda, to clean teeth, and a toothbrush is better designed to handle all the contours of a person's teeth than, say, a piece of cloth.
There are several alternatives that people who are not interested in picking a toothbrush or toothpaste use. Some of the more popular ones include:
This easily available product is one of the most popular alternatives to toothpaste. Using it is not much different than using regular toothpaste. The person simply dips their toothbrush in baking soda and brushes the teeth just like one would do with toothpaste. Some prefer to dissolve the powder in salt water, then dip their brush in the solution.
Baking soda can be combined with mints and oil for fresher breath. Baking soda has strong whitening properties and can help remove stains on teeth. However, it is an abrasive substance and can damage teeth enamel when used often. In addition, baking soda does not contain fluoride, so those who use it regularly might not be getting enough fluoride to protect their enamel.
It is actually possible to clean teeth with soap. The detergents in the soap help remove food particles and plaque. How pleasant it tastes is a completely different story. However, there are specialized soaps that are made specifically for brushing, and these taste much better.
It is possible to adequately clean teeth brushing without any toothpaste. The frictional forces created by the brush's bristles are what removes food particles and plaque in the first place. Using a product with a toothbrush simply provides a better level of hygiene.
Here is another household item that can be used to clean teeth. Coconut oil is particularly effective, since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. When combined with other items like baking soda, coconut oil can actually be a very effective way to clean teeth. The only issue would be getting used to having an oily mouth.
Some people are not huge fans of toothbrushes and would rather clean their teeth with other items. Here are common alternatives to cleaning teeth with a toothbrush:
A washcloth or piece of paper towel can be used to effectively clean teeth. It is often best to use one that has a rough surface. The cloth is wrapped around the person's index finger, and toothpaste or other cleaner is added to it. The cloth is then used to brush just like one would do with a toothbrush.
These are actually the original toothbrush. Twigs have been used to clean teeth for millennia. Teeth twigs can be purchased from specialty stores.
Want to learn more about toothbrush and toothpaste alternatives? Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.brightsmile-dental.net or call Bright Smile Dental at (773) 733-5876 for an appointment in our Chicago dental office.
Taking care of your dental health, including your gums and teeth, is a good goal. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, it is even more important. When you have a healthy mouth, you may be more able to fight off medical disorders. If your mouth is not healthy, you may be at a higher risk of…
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral and dental health, and with the help of a family dentist in Chicago, a person should be able to brush their teeth properly each day.However, mistakes do happen, and that can apply to brushing your teeth, too. In this article, we outline brushing mistakes…
As a dentist, we are often asked for different ways people can help boost their dental and oral health. This is a natural question, given that most people do not like spending a great deal of time at the dentist. While we definitely have a few ideas on the subject, it stands to reason that…
For a lot of people, their daily oral routine usually goes something like this: Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, floss, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash.However, mouthwashes have had their own share of controversy, and the jury is still out on whether they are a necessary part of your morning…
A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat…
This article covers details you need to know about a bone graft.
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
Two of the more commonly chosen makeover options include dental crowns and veneers, as these…
There are many myths regarding a wisdom tooth extraction that can confuse patients about what…
Invisalign® offers benefits that cannot be achieved with other treatment methods, which is why general…