Maintaining oral hygiene in the backcountry is important for both personal comfort and preventing minor issues that can escalate quickly far from home. Consistent plaque removal avoids the rapid onset of gingivitis and protects tooth enamel, which can be compromised by a wilderness diet. Outdoor dental care must align with environmental responsibility, making Leave No Trace (LNT) principles a central consideration.
Managing Water Use and Waste Disposal
Water conservation begins by carrying a small, dedicated amount of water away from any natural source for brushing. Even small quantities of toothpaste or food particles can introduce foreign chemicals into aquatic ecosystems, potentially impacting micro-organisms and water quality. Using potable water for rinsing is advisable, but water use should be minimized to reduce the volume of slurry requiring disposal.
The primary goal of waste disposal is to prevent the concentration of toothpaste residue in one spot, which can attract wildlife or contaminate soil. Conventional toothpaste contains ingredients that are not naturally occurring and can harm local flora and fauna when concentrated. The final slurry—the mix of water, saliva, and paste—should never be spit directly into a stream or lake.
To comply with LNT guidelines, all brushing and rinsing must take place a minimum of 200 feet (approximately 70 adult paces) away from any water source, campsite, or trail. The proper technique is to “broadcast” or “spit spray” the slurry widely over a large area of bare soil or ground cover. This maximizes the surface area, allowing residual chemicals to disperse and degrade quickly, preventing concentrated impact.
Techniques for Brushing With Minimal Supplies
The most effective technique for maximizing plaque removal while minimizing the need for paste and water is known as dry brushing. This method involves using a standard toothbrush without any water or dentifrice initially. Dry brushing can be highly effective, resulting in a significant reduction in plaque buildup when performed correctly.
The lack of foaming paste forces the user to be more deliberate and focused on the mechanical action of the brush against the tooth surface. Dry bristles are generally stiffer than wet ones, enhancing their ability to scour away the sticky bacterial film. The technique requires holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and using small, circular motions to clean all surfaces.
If commercial toothpaste supplies are depleted, simple alternatives carried from home can be used sparingly. A tiny pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or fine sea salt can serve as a mild abrasive to aid in plaque removal. Sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, which helps to neutralize the acids produced by oral bacteria that lead to decay. These powders should be mixed with just a drop or two of water to form a minimal paste before application, ensuring effective dispersion upon disposal.
Natural Substitutes for Brushes and Pastes
When commercial dental supplies are unavailable, improvisation with natural materials becomes necessary. A clean finger or a small piece of non-shedding cloth wrapped around a finger can be used to manually scrub the tooth surfaces and gumline. While lacking the precision of bristles, the friction can effectively remove the soft, daily accumulation of plaque.
Another historically recognized substitute for a commercial brush is the use of chewing sticks, such as the Miswak derived from the Salvadora persica tree. These sticks feature natural bristles and contain compounds like silica and chloride that exhibit antibacterial and anti-plaque properties. The chewing action frays the end of the twig into a brush-like form used to physically clean the teeth.
In the absence of a chewing stick, certain non-toxic plant twigs or stems can be used, though proper identification is important to avoid poisonous varieties. For an abrasive substitute, finely ground, clean wood ash or charcoal can be applied to a finger or twig. These materials offer mild abrasion for cleaning, but must be used sparingly to avoid wearing down tooth enamel.