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    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
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      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
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      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
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    • FAQ
    • Floss
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      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
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      • Your Child’s First Visit
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General Dentistry Tips: What to Do if You Forget Your Toothbrush

  • April 17, 2018
  • 5:32 pm
  • Dental Care, Dental Products, FAQ
  • Dental Care, Dental Health, Toothbrush
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

We’ve all been there before. You go over to someone’s house, or you go to a hotel or motel for the night, and you realize you left your toothbrush at home. If it’s late at night, you probably don’t feel like going out and buying a new one. If you find yourself in this situation, you shouldn’t neglect your oral health routine. There are some temporary alternatives that will do in a pinch, just make sure to not make a habit of it. Today in the Parkcrest Dental blog, our general dentistry experts will tell you what you can do if this happens to you.

Use a Washcloth

A clean washcloth will be a sufficient one-time alternative for a toothbrush. All you need to do is add a little water to the area you’re using to clean your teeth, add a dab of toothpaste, and brush your teeth as normal. If you don’t have a washcloth, a paper towel will work, but a washcloth is more efficient.

Use Your Finger

This definitely isn’t the optimal way to brush your teeth, but if you have no other options, it’s better than nothing. Wash your hands and make sure they’re clean, then put some toothpaste on your index finger. Gently brush your teeth and gums with the pad of your finder. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after you’re done.

Ask the Front Desk

This only works if you’re staying at a hotel, but you could always ask the front desk. Many hotels will have complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste you can use. Or they might have a store where you can buy one. If you’re staying at a hotel, this should be your first course of action.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Toothbrushing Tips And Techniques

Go Out and Buy One

If it’s not too inconvenient, you can always run to a nearby store and buy a new toothbrush. If the toothbrush you left at home was getting close to three months old you might need a new one anyway. General dentistry experts recommend getting a new brush each month. If your other toothbrush is fairly new, you can always get a really cheap toothbrush. Often they sell them for close to $1, or you can get single-use ones.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group On Toothbrush Types

Come to Parkcrest Dental for Your General Dentistry Needs

Remember, even if you’re using your toothbrush every day, twice a day, you still have to come and get your biannual cleanings. Parkcrest Dental Group is here for all your general dentistry needs. For more information about our general dentistry services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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