Avoiding an Oral Apocalypse

Ever wonder what you could do for toothpaste if TSHTF and you bugged out into the wild?  No, you do not have to live with fuzzy green chops, for following are tips to keep your mouth clean, healthy and non-offensive to your fellow survivors.

Cleaning your teeth

Herbs and plants
Sage
Many indigenous tribes use sage today.  You will find it works very well.  It normally takes three to four decent sized leaves to do a good job.  Using your finger, rub the leaf around all surfaces of your teeth, replacing the leaf when it falls apart.  Use your fingernail or a thin stick to get in between the teeth.  It is antiseptic and fresh smelling, and leaves your whole mouth feeling squeeky clean.
Mint
Another “hairy” leaf you can rub over your teeth.  Leaves your mouth smelling great.
Eucalyptus
Use the leaf as the others, and note that eucalyptus leaves have been shown to reduce periodontal disease when chewed several times per day.

Trees
Chew on dogwood or birch twigs to create toothpaste, they are very fibrous and clean well.

Mouthwash
Grind pine needles and add boiling water.  Let sit for 10 minutes to infuse, then strain.   Pine needles are antiseptic and will leave your mouth fresh and tingly.

Charcoal
Charcoal has been touted for centuries as a wonderful tooth cleaner and mouth freshener.  After dry charcoal is cool, grind it down into a fine powder.  Sift to remove any larger pieces.  Store the powder in a waterproof container.  To brush your teeth, add a pinch to your toothbrush, and then add water and brush.  If you are lacking a brushing implement, you can use your finger.  Be sure to rinse very well.  Charcoal is also a surprising teeth whitener!

Flossing
Dip silk or cotton thread in melted wax
Non-toxic cactus needles
Fibers peeled from green twigs

Toothbrush
Green twigs from non-toxic trees can be frayed at one end.

If you happen to live near growing eggplants, the following is great information to know.  The ash from the eggplant is said to cure any toothache and mouth or gum disorders.  Slowly roast the eggplant until it is black, and grind the ashes into powder.  If you keep it in an airtight and waterproof container, it can store for years.  Might be a great thing to make now and add to your BOB for emergencies.

Brushing your teeth with salt and baking soda is a time honored and proven technique, although if you have enough of supply of those at TEOTWAWKI to brush your teeth with for years to come, I would say your priorities were a bit out of whack!

Please add any information you may have on this topic below.  And rest assured that even if the world were to end, you would still be able to lock lips with your significant other…more than once!