by Kate Johns

Created on: September 17, 2008

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? You are out of town, staying over at a relatives home or you are camping in the middle of nowhere, when you get ready for bed late at night and you suddenly realize that you forgot your toothbrush. You stand there thinking did someone bring an extra toothbrush with them? And considering that it is too late to go to the nearest store, which could be fifty miles away, you realize that you either have to have that gross, slimy feeling on your teeth and in your mouth all night long, or you have to take drastic measures.

Looking around the bathroom, or whereever you are, you try to figure out how to brush your teeth with something other than a toothbrush. And you think, what did people do before toothbrushes were invented? And the answer pops into your head. They didn't brush their teeth and that's why Geroge Washington ended up with wooden teeth!

Besides being completely grossed out, you realize that you have to figure out how to brush your teeth before total grossness and bad breath strike.

Here are five ways to brush your teeth without a toothbrush:

One alternative method to tooth brushing is using the old standby, your finger. It might not get out all the grit, and grime and your good old finger may not be able to get those tiny particicles in between your teeth, but that trusted finger can do wonders to polish up those pearly whites. Just apply the toothpaste, (don't tell me you forgot that too!), to your finger and brush away. It will certainly make your front teeth look great, and the toothpaste will act as a much needed breath freshener.

Did you ever try utilizing a Q-tip as a toothbrush? It may be small, and not have that bristle action going for it, but an ordinary Q-tip can shine up your teeth, and make you feel better in the process. Just put a small amount on the Q-tip and slide it around softly cleaning your teeth. You will have to open your mouth really wide and stick it in your mouth, getting your hand wet, but it is better than having done nothing. You might have to use several Q-tips also.

Here's is another method of brushing your teeth withoyut using a toothbrush. Look around the campsite or rummage thorugh the kitchen drawers and Viola! How about using the other end of a fork, or a spoon to brush your teeth? I've never tried this method personally, but after thinking about, it sounds like a really good idea. A plastic fork or spoon is flexible and you can put it into your mouth and reach all those places a Q-tip or your finger can't reach. Just go slowly, and don't rub it on your gums.

This might work too. Bunch up a kleenex, get it wet, and dab it with a very small amount of toothpaste. Rub very slowly on your teeth in circles, and it should do the trick. If not try it just with water, or even baking soda. The baking soda will stick to the kleenex much better than the toothpaste will and, you can get some of your teeth a little cleaner.

You're going to love this one. How about using an already wet, in your mug, teabag to brush your teeth? While it may sound gross, green tea can be utilized for just about anything, including cleaning surfaces of things, like your teeth. This method should not be used for along time though, because toothpaste is the best method proven for brushing your teeth. That and the fact that green tea has not been approved by four out of five dentists.

There you have it, five ways to brush your teeth without using a toothbrush. All you have to do is be a little creative, and you will find a solution that works right for you.

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