Maintaining proper oral health even after SHTF is important because it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh.
For emergencies, you can clean your teeth with toothpaste substitutes such as baking soda or even coconut oil. (h/t to SurvivalJack.com)
Here are some options if you don't have an extra supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the whole family when SHTF:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, but don't dry them.
- Use a wet finger to rub across your teeth and gums on one side.
- Rinse your finger thoroughly and repeat the second step on the other side of your teeth. Gargle with clean water.
- When you're done, wash your hands thoroughly.
Toothpaste substitutes for emergencies
Before disaster strikes, you should stock up on oral care products such as toothsalt with neem oil or fluoride-free toothpaste and extra toothbrushes.
But if you are looking for other options, here are some toothpaste substitutes to try:
Activated charcoal
Remember that activated charcoal is not the same as charcoal for your barbecue grill.
Activated charcoal is made from materials such as coconut shells or wood that have been burned at very high temperatures (1,110 and 1,650 F) and processed further to create a charcoal powder.
You should also note that activated charcoal is not recommended for crowns or veneers because it can permanently stain the surface of your teeth.
In a survival situation, a toothbrush is more important than toothpaste so you can use a frayed twig alone (via the dry brushing method) without charcoal.
When making your own toothbrush from a twig, you need to mash or cut a clean, soft stick to mimic a toothbrush.
- Find a flexible twig such as pine, spruce or willow.
- Whittle away the bark, and square off one end of the stick.
- Make five to six cuts 1/4-inch deep into the end.
- Turn the stick 90 degrees, and make five to six more cuts.
- Hammer, crush or chew the "bristles" to soften them.
- Carefully brush each tooth with a downward sweeping motion.
- If you have clean water, gargle after "brushing."
Baking soda
To clean your teeth with baking soda, place a small amount on your toothbrush and brush your teeth. Rinse with water.
Alternatively, you can dissolve the baking soda in water and dip your toothbrush in the mixture and start brushing. This method works well with a chewing stick.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a good substitute for toothpaste.
Just dip your toothbrush in coconut oil and brush. (Related: Prepper oral health: How to clean your teeth and prevent cavities when SHTF.)
Sea salt
Sea salt has cleansing properties but it can be too abrasive if you brush with plain salt.
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of water. Dip your toothbrush in the salt water and brush your teeth.
Where to buy supplies oral care supplies for your survival stockpile
The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you prepare for any emergency and maintaining good oral health even after SHTF. That’s why we’re proud to introduce a variety of products that can help keep your teeth clean and your breath smelling fresh.
To help cleanse your teeth without the use of toxic ingredients commonly found in mainstream toothpaste products, the Health Ranger Store is proud to introduce Groovy Bee® Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Peppermint + Anise flavor). This premium toothpaste formula is an all-natural alternative to chemical-laden commercial toothpastes.
Unlike other commercially available oral hygiene products, this premium toothpaste formula cleanses your teeth using some of the safest and most effective all-natural ingredients for daily
oral care, such as menthol, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and peppermint and anise oils.
Groovy Bee® Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Peppermint + Anise flavor) contains no fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), or GMOs.
You can also try one of the healthiest and most effective natural alternatives to chemical-filled toothpaste, Health Ranger Select Toothsalt with Neem.
Our toothsalt contains no fluoride, artificial chemicals, or other harmful toxins. Instead, our premium toothsalt formula supports your dental health using only pure and natural ingredients, such as sea salt, organic neem powder and essential oils.
Health Ranger Select Toothsalt with Neem allows you to enjoy outstanding oral health without worrying about synthetic chemicals. It is non-China and is thoroughly lab-tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more prepping products for your stockpile. You can also visit HolisticDentistry.news for more tips on how to maintain proper oral hygiene during emergencies.
Click on this link to learn more about the benefits of having organic coconut oil in your survival stockpile.
Watch this clip about Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, another item that can help clean and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Prepper tips: 10 Ways to maintain oral hygiene in the wilderness.
Why being prepared is a game-changer.
Understanding different types of emergencies and how to prepare for them.
Prepping must-haves: Essential items to include in your survival stockpile.
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