Last updated March 19, 2024
Ideally, you should brush your teeth every day. Even though we know this, in some situations it may not be possible. In this issue, we will discuss effective alternative methods and substitutes for toothpaste in such situations.
Change when you can't brush your teeth
gargling
Ideally, brush your teeth after eating and drinking.However, simply gargling with fresh water can remove some food debris. If you are out and about and cannot brush your teeth,You should get into the habit of gargling.I am sure it will be.
mouthwash
In addition to bringing your own, they may be available in restrooms at restaurants and other places. Make effective use of them andKeep the oral cavity cleanIt would be a good idea to
liquid toothpaste
Normal toothpaste is a paste, while liquid toothpaste is a toothpaste solution that has the same ingredients as paste toothpaste but in liquid form.Use with finger brush or finger toothbrushThe more you do this, the more effective it will be.
finger polishing
This method involves rubbing the teeth and gums with the fingers to remove stains. When finger brushing with bare hands, clean and disinfect your fingers well and whenever possible.Hygiene considerationsDo this while
finger toothbrush
This is a finger-sack shaped toothbrush. Because it is made of soft rubber top material,Useful when brushing with a hard toothbrush is too painfulI will do so.
Recommended for infants.
toothpaste
The use of commercial toothpaste sheets is also effective. This is because many sheets are flavored with menthol,Removal of plaqueof the mouth along with thecool and refreshingIt also yields
gauze
If a toothpaste sheet is not available, you can wrap gauze around your finger and wipe off the plaque on the surface of your teeth. Since gauze is mesh-like, rubbing it too hard may damage the gums. When using gauze,Do not put too much pressure on it.Be careful not to let the "good" be the "bad".
chewing gum
Chewing gum that contains xylitol can inhibit tooth decay. Also,Effect of removing dirt from the meshThe company also expects to
spray
Along with a cool feeling, it is expected to prevent bad breath. HoweverNo cleaning effectTherefore, it is recommended that they be used in conjunction with cleaning tools.
Why is care essential even when brushing is not possible?
cavity
The inability to brush one's teeth is by far the most common increase inRisk of tooth decayIt is. In particular, the risk is increased by the inability to brush one's teeth at night. The reason for this is that the mouth is closed for a longer period of time while sleeping. If adequate oral care is not taken before bedtime, oral bacteria feed on plaque and dissolve the teeth, creating cavities. Therefore, even when you are unable to brush your teeth for whatever reason, you should utilize a variety of items to help you take care of your teeth.It is important to keep the oral cavity cleanIt is.
periodontal disease
The first thing that comes to mind as an oral problem is tooth decay, but even moreSerious is periodontal disease.It is. Periodontal disease can cause healthy teeth to fall out andTriggers of systemic diseasesIt can also be a
colorant
Foods and beverages that cause pigmentation,Residual plaqueThis will dull the color of your teeth even more. To keep your teeth white and beautiful, daily plaque control bypigmentationIt is important to prevent the
halitosis
Plaque (dental plaque) adheres to the oral cavityBy doing,Causes of bad breathThe result is a foul-smelling, drain-like odor. Plaque in the oral cavity is as unsanitary as feces and smells like a drain. It is easy to cause discomfort to others, as well as to your ownSignificant negative impact on health status.It is.
systemic disorder
Bacteria from periodontal disease travel throughout the body via the bloodstream. Therefore, the effects of the disease on the entire body are greater than expected, including the liver.Damage to various organsThe following is an example of the effect of this.
Good items to have with you when you can't brush your teeth.
Portable Toothbrush
If it is difficult to carry a toothbrush with a long handle, it is recommended to bring a portable toothbrush. Portable toothbrushes usually come in a case, but if left wet, bacteria can grow. Remove it from the case except when you are carrying it with you, and keep it dry in a well-ventilated place.
mouthwash
Mouthwash is the easiest oral care product to use as an alternative when brushing is not possible. Mouthwash is generally used as a finishing touch to regular toothbrushing to prevent residue, but it can also be used when you are out of the house and unable to brush your teeth to easily wash away stickiness in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash can also help prevent bad breath by cleaning plaque and food debris.
xylitol gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva secretion and oral care can be expected from xylitol gum. Saliva has cleaning and antibacterial properties, so chewing gum helps to stimulate saliva secretion and remove debris from the mouth. Gum containing xylitol is particularly effective in preventing tooth decay and can be consumed on the move, making it an easy item to use when brushing is not an option. Gum can also be stored for a long time, so it is a good idea to have gum on hand as a substitute in times of disaster or when brushing is not possible.
toothpaste
Toothpaste sheets are convenient to have with you when you are unable to brush your teeth. These toothpaste sheets are effective for taking care of your teeth when you are out and about and for preventing bad breath, since you can remove stains and odors from your teeth simply by wiping them with the sheet. Some products have toothpaste sheets containing xylitol, so using those will give you a more refreshing feeling. In addition, toothpaste sheets can be used for cleaning the oral cavity without the use of water, making them useful in times of disaster.
interdental brush
Even if you cannot bring a large toothbrush, a small interdental brush would be easy to carry. Many commercially available interdental brushes come with a case. By carrying the interdental brush in that case, you can remove food debris from between your teeth. This may not remove stains from the tooth surfaces, but it is much more hygienic than leaving them without any oral care at all.
liquid toothpaste
Liquid toothpaste works best when you rinse an appropriate amount in your mouth and then brush as usual. It is usually used when brushing with a toothbrush, just like regular toothpaste, but may be used in conjunction with a finger brush or finger toothbrush when you are away from home and do not have a toothbrush with you. It is best to avoid gargling as much as possible, as rinsing with water after brushing will wash away the medicinal ingredients. Although it is less effective, there is no problem with gargling if you must rinse.
summary
After a period of inactivity, plaque eventually turns into tartar. Plaque can be removed by self-care tooth brushing, but tartar can only be removed by specialized instruments and machines at the dentist's office.
Plaque and tartar, if left untreated, can cause not only oral problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, but can eventually trigger systemic diseases.If you are unable to take care of your oral health yourself, it is a good idea to get assistance from a professional dentistThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
The cleaning fee for care by a dentist is about 5,000 yen when covered by insurance. For those not covered by insurance, the fee starts at 10,000 yen.It is expensive and time-consuming to treat tooth decay, gum disease, and systemic diseases after they have occurred!. We hope you will use these contents to protect your own health by making good use of useful items and dentist cleanings.
Related article: "How to use mouthwash to get the best results? We explain if there are any dangers."
Graduated from Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, ~2018 Kyushu Medical Center, 2018-present Working at a dental clinic in Tokyo
After completing clinical training, worked in cosmetic dentistry in Tokyo. Currently dentist/writer.
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