Running out of toothpaste requires a temporary fix to maintain your oral hygiene routine. The primary purpose of brushing is to remove the sticky film of bacteria known as plaque from the tooth surfaces. While toothpaste contains beneficial ingredients like fluoride, the physical action of the toothbrush is the most important factor in cleaning the mouth. The solutions discussed here are short-term measures until a new tube of commercial toothpaste can be acquired.
Brushing with Water Alone
The most immediate and accessible solution is to simply brush using a toothbrush and water. The mechanical action of the toothbrush bristles against the tooth surface is responsible for removing the majority of dental plaque. Studies have shown that a two-minute brushing session with just a toothbrush and water can remove more than 55% of the plaque present in the mouth.
Focus on proper technique and duration. Brush for a full two minutes, utilizing short, gentle strokes and a soft-bristled brush. Ensure the bristles are angled at about 45 degrees toward the gum line to clean the area where plaque accumulates most easily. This purely physical cleaning process is better for your oral health than skipping a brushing session entirely.
Safe DIY Toothpaste Alternatives
Two common household items can be mixed to create a temporary cleaning paste: baking soda and salt. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that assists in removing surface stains and debris. Its alkaline nature also works to neutralize the acids in the mouth, which are produced by bacteria and contribute to enamel erosion.
To make a paste, mix a small amount of baking soda with a few drops of water until a thick consistency is reached. This mixture can be used on the toothbrush to aid in cleaning. Alternatively, combine baking soda with a small amount of table salt, which acts as a mild antiseptic and abrasive agent.
If using salt, it should be finely dissolved in water first to ensure its granules do not scratch the enamel. Due to their abrasive properties, these homemade mixtures are not suitable for prolonged, daily use and should only be employed as a temporary measure.
Supplementary Cleaners and Rinses
Flossing remains essential, as it removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line where a brush cannot reach. Beyond flossing, household oils and diluted antiseptic solutions can serve as temporary rinses. One such method is oil pulling, which involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil in the mouth for several minutes.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which possesses antimicrobial properties that can help reduce harmful oral bacteria and plaque. The oil should be forcefully swished and then spit into the trash, not the sink, as it can solidify and clog plumbing. Another option is a highly diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse, which acts as a mild antiseptic by releasing oxygen to attack anaerobic bacteria.
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution must be diluted with water, by mixing one part peroxide with two parts water to achieve a safe concentration of approximately 1% to 1.5%. This rinse should be swished briefly—no more than 30 to 60 seconds—and must never be swallowed, as ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach irritation.