Picking a Toothbrush and Toothpaste: What Are the Alternatives?

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.

Things to know when not picking a toothbrush and toothpaste

There are several alternatives that people who are not interested in picking a toothbrush or toothpaste use. Some of the more popular ones include:

1. Baking soda

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.

2. Tooth soap

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.

3. Dry brushing

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.

4. Coconut oil

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.

Toothbrush alternatives

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:

1. Washcloth or paper towel

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.

2. Twigs

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.

What are you waiting for?

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.realgooddentist.com or call City Centre Dental at (248) 423-9393 for an appointment in our Southfield dental office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry Question: Should I Use Mouthwash That Has Alcohol?

When it comes to general dentistry, it is recommended that you use mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen because it kills the germs left in your mouth after brushing. Most adults use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because they believe it kills germs more effectively than alcohol-free mouthwash.In an effort to figure…

A Dentist In Southfield Reveals 4 Everyday Oral Hygiene Tips

Oral hygiene is just as important as overall body hygiene is, and sometimes people aren’t aware that it is just as necessary to maintain — but with the help of a dentist in Southfield, a person should be able to maintain good oral hygiene.In this article, we will go over a few tips for everyday…

5 Reasons Your Dental Health Is Vital

Overstating the importance of dental health is impossible. The state of a person's mouth is directly linked to their overall well-being. The mouth is just another part of the body, so keeping it healthy promotes good health in other areas.Here are five reasons why making oral health a priority is essential:People dealing with gum disease…

Can I Stop A Cavity From Getting Worse?

If you have a cavity, you are likely wondering whether it needs to be tended to right away, whether it will get worse, if it will stagnate or possibly even improve the condition. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth that gradually expands as time progresses. This form of decay occurs when acid…


City Centre Dental

Share
Published by
City Centre Dental

Recent Posts

How to Find an Experienced Implant Dentist

There are several effective tips and strategies for ensuring you are able to find the…

3 years ago

Oral Surgery and Impacted Teeth

Leaving impacted teeth unremoved may cause serious complications such as infections, teeth misalignment and cysts.

3 years ago

How Many Implants Are Needed for Implant Supported Dentures?

When it comes to how many dental implants one will need to have placed, there…

3 years ago

Root Canal Therapy for a Tooth Infection

Once the infection is removed from all of the root canals, a special dental material…

3 years ago

How Enamel Shaping from a Cosmetic Dentist Can Change Your Smile

Enamel shaping is primarily for minor issues, whereas more extensive treatment might be needed for…

3 years ago

Smile Makeover: Different Types of Veneers

Some of the cons that come with choosing composite veneers include the material used tends…

3 years ago