You probably clean your teeth every morning and evening, but what about those times during the day when you eat something that leaves your mouth feeling full of sugar or plaque? Even if you do not have your toothbrush with you, there are steps you can take to clean your mouth and leave it feeling fresh. Follow these three tips to clean your teeth on the go.
1. Rinse Your Mouth
When you can't clean your teeth, simply rinsing the mouth can help to remove a lot of the sugars and other food traces that bacteria love to feast on. Mouthwash is the best fluid to use for rinsing as it delivers a dose of fluoride to strengthen your teeth, as well as a fresh flavour to help your breath smell a little sweeter. However, if you do not have mouthwash then even water can help to clean your mouth in a pinch. Swish it vigorously between your teeth to drive out the last crumbs of the sweet treat you indulged in.
2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Did you know that chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which can help to neutralise acids produced by bacteria? Saliva also contains enzymes that help to keep bacteria levels in check. To be sure you are not giving bacteria fresh sugars to feed on, choose a sugar-free brand of chewing gum. Most sugar-free gums are sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol, which are sweeteners that are safe for the teeth. The fresh flavour of the gum should help to freshen your breath, while the chewing action helps to clean your teeth.
3. Use a Toothpaste Tablet
Toothpaste tablets are tablets filled with similar ingredients to those you would find in toothpaste but in the form of a solid tablet that is easy to carry around and use even when you do not have your toothbrush with you. Simply chew up the tablet to release a mixture of fluoride, abrasive ingredients, and fresh flavour. The action of chewing the tablet helps to scrape some dental plaque from your teeth, leaving them cleaner.
Dentists say that toothpaste tablets are not as effective as brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and regular toothpaste, but they are very useful in a situation where you cannot use a toothbrush. Keep some toothpaste tablets in your bag so you can use them after lunch or when you get called away on an unexpected trip.
For more information, contact a dentist near you.
