Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.
Dentists recommend that, to maintain good oral health, you brush your teeth at least twice a day and use floss at least once daily. Which is easy enough to keep up with, usually, except there are times when everyone forgets essential items when they go out to do their shopping.
If you've run out of toothpaste and you forgot to buy more, there are some alternatives you can get by on. Remember, though, that they should only be used as a stop-gap until you can get more toothpaste, which should be as soon as possible. Dentists recommend fluoride to keep teeth healthy, and none of these alternatives will provide you with that.
Bicarbonate of soda
Would any list of home remedies be complete without the inclusion of humble bicarbonate of soda? This wonder ingredient can be used, it seems, for pretty much anything around the home, and it makes an adequate toothpaste alternative when you're stuck. There are a few different ways to use it. You could simply wet your toothbrush, dip it in some bicarb and brush away. Alternatively, you could mix the bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a paste. Some people like to add a bit of natural sea salt to the mix for extra cleaning power.
Coconut oil
Another item that always seems to appear on lists of natural alternatives, coconut oil is said to have all sorts of powers. One thing is for sure though: its antibacterial properties make it a suitable toothpaste stand-in. Use it on its own, mixed with bicarbonate of soda or salt, or even add essential oils as long as they're safe to consume. Instead of or in addition to brushing, a technique called oil pulling has become popular. Swish a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for ten minutes, then spit it out. It's said to freshen the breath and combat bacterial growth.
Natural soap
Yes – soap! Be careful not to use anything that has ingredients you wouldn't want to eat. Soaps might have odd or unpleasant flavours despite having natural ingredients, but they can really clean your teeth. Just use with a little water to get it foaming.
Water
If you have nothing in the house that can be used instead of toothpaste, or these suggestions just don't appeal to you, there's one other option: just wet your toothbrush and use it as it is. While it won't freshen your breath, protect your teeth or help restore their minerals, it will do a basic job of removing plaque and food particles, which is much better than nothing.
Share27 June 2017
