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: http://austinlakesdentistry.com or call Austin Lakes Dentistry: Scott T Gordon DDS at (512) 266-1308 for an appointment in our Austin dental office.
Your dental health may indicate how well your immune system is working. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, you may be more likely to have oral health problems. This can negatively affect your immune system. The immune system is important for helping you fight off diseases, such as COVID-19. Keep reading to learn how…
Teaching your children proper oral hygiene will help them keep their teeth healthy for life. Most habits that stick with us form during childhood, including how to care for our teeth.Most people want a nice smile and white teeth. Proper brushing and flossing can help with this. More importantly, hygiene is essential to have healthy…
Ahhh... Who does not love that minty freshness that comes from a daily swish of mouthwash? In addition to freshening your breath, mouthwash promotes better oral health. If you read the label, you'll discover that mouthwash is a multi-tasker that whitens your teeth, removes plaque and fights gum disease. However, are all these claims true?…
Do you ever wonder if the foods you are choosing to eat are damaging your teeth? Most people choose the foods they eat purely on taste preference and not how they might affect the teeth. For example, did you know that eating something as simple as potato chips can potentially cause harm to your teeth?You…
Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…