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Toothbrush Alternatives | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It’s important to brush your teeth every day – we all know this. But there are times when a toothbrush isn’t readily available. Say, you go camping, or you travel somewhere remote and forgot to pack one? Sure, these are extreme times, but they could happen. It’s nice to know there are ways we can maintain our oral health until we get a toothbrush, right? Below are a few ways we can substitute some regular everyday items for a toothbrush when we are in a pinch:

Washcloth or paper towel. Say you aren’ta great packer, and your hotel doesn’t have a gift shop inside of it. You can use a paper towel or a washcloth as a substitute. Just wrap your index finger with the paper towel or washcloth, use toothpaste if you have but water will do, then brush your teeth like you would with a toothbrush. Start at your gums and work your way down each tooth. Make sure to wash your tongue as well. Rinse with water and there you have it – a clean mouth.

Find a twig. If you are camping or hiking, a great alternative for a toothbrush is a twig. The first toothbrushes were actually twigs so you aren’t far off with this option. Find a flexible twig about 6-8 inches long. Peel off the skin and chew on an end until it frays. A natural toothbrush!

Your index finger. If worse comes to worse and none of these are an option, there’s always your finger. Make sure you wash your hands before you begin, then take your index finger and starting at the gums, work your finger like a toothbrush, cleaning in a circular motion until all teeth are clean. Rinse your finger for each quadrant, then rinse.

If you would like more information on toothbrushes, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know About Toothbrushes | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It’s no mystery that we should be brushing our teeth twice a day in order to maintain our oral health, but it’s important to remember that your toothbrush is a tool and you need a great tool to do the job correctly. We use it to remove food debris and bacteria from our teeth, and like many tools, it requires proper care in order be effective.

To minimize bacteria, the toothbrush must be kept clean. It should be washed thoroughly with tap water after each use to remove food particles and leftover toothpaste. When stored, keeping it upright will allow excess water to drain from the bristles, less likely to grow bacteria. If you need to store it in a closed container (for example, when traveling), try to dry it using a clean towel beforehand.

From time to time, sanitize your toothbrush with antibacterial mouthwash. You can even toss it in the dishwasher to kill bacteria. There are also professional sterilizers that utilize ultraviolet light to sanitize toothbrushes available on the market.

The average toothbrush should last 3-4 months, but if it shows signs of wear it needs to be replaced. Bristles that are frayed, loose, or falling out, or any cracking plastic are all replacement signs. Even if the toothbrush is in good condition, you should consider replacing your toothbrush after you’ve been ill. Continuing to use a toothbrush after you’ve been sick will continue introducing bacteria into your system, making you more susceptible to further illness and dental issues.

If you would like more information about toothbrushes, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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The History of the Toothbrush | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Brushing our teeth has long been touted as an important part of oral health. Using a toothbrush, a very simple personal hygiene tool found in every household, we’ve come to make a habit of using it more than twice a day. But have you ever thought about how it came to be? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so while you are teaching your little one to brush their teeth, teach them a little history of the toothbrush:

Ancient Egyptians are widely regarded as the first group of people to use a toothbrush, constructing one made of twigs and leaves to clean their teeth. By the 15th century, the Chinese had begun using a toothbrush that closely resembles what we use today. A century later, English noblemen and privileged families began using toothbrushes made out of silver.

William Addis would then go on to invent what’s widely considered as the first modern toothbrush in 1780 while in prison. It’s believed that the idea came about while watching how the floors were swept clean using a brush. He’d then fashion the toothbrush using a bone and bristles he had obtained from
the guard and went on to make a fortune once released.

The design of the toothbrush would then be refined over time and in 1938, soft-bristles toothbrushes were invented. Soon enough, companies such as Oral-B would begin mass producing soft-bristled toothbrushes.

Innovation still has not left toothbrushes and up to this day, the design and the bristles are still being refined to better meet modern needs, including the development of toothbrushes made of recyclable materials.

If you would like more information about pediatric dental hygiene, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.