Seems most Thru-hikers I’ve talked to this year said their dental hygiene went WAY down while on the trail. Snickers+no brushing= cavities. I personally don’t see why keeping the teeth clean has to be pushed aside on the trail. Any opinions? -Sweeper
Sweeper
I don’t see any reason for not brushing. I definitely plan on taking toothbrush and cleanser. If you want to use a double duty item…you can use baking soda to clean your teeth, use as powder for cleaning pot and I have heard you can use it for foot powder. A shower may not always be possible…however, my teeth will be clean :)- Sharon
Sharon
Hi Sharon, glad you came on board. I agree, baking soda is probably the best solution for the wilds. I have used it for years. It can also help us with our baking BIG GRIN. One thing it is environmentally friendly, don’t need to worry about spraying toothpaste like LNT guidelines suggest. It is a component of many toothpastes. It does not have an odor that is liable to attract critters of any kind. It is lightweight. It won’t damage stuff in your pack if it gets loose. In a pinch you can use it to wash socks. Even use it as a hand cleaner with a bit of soap.
Trailblazer75
NONE!!! YEAH!!! needless to say, eventhough I tried to take good care of my teeth, I just KNEW that I would have a few cavities from the “Fort Knox” size pile of Snickers that I devoured on the trail. However, using nothing more than the power of the modern toothbrush, I amazed my dentist with how far dental technologies had reached into the vast wilderness. No cavities for me. Whew!
Hungry Howie GA-ME 2000
Hungry Howie