Ultralight toothpaste

[Aushiker]

I have what I assume is a sample tube of toothpaste from the dentist and I think I can get more. It has 20 grams of toothpaste and weighs in at 24 grams. Think this will work for me on the next trip at least.

[Orion]

The evidence lies in the pathophysiology of dental/peridental diseases. There's solid recognition that dental and gingival diseases with plaque at and below the gum line, along with associated bacterial load in those pocket locations cause the most severe short and long term damage to oral health....

GPSGuided, that's not evidence. That's just an assertion and a vague hypothesis with an appeal to "common sense".

[Mopoke]

I do the lush tabs. Not for everyone and foamy, but they do get the job done, at least you can go to sleep without furry teeth. Also from an LNT perspective, no triclosan is a bonus as far as I care. Might not matter in the grand scheme, but its worth considering.

I was really excited reading the page, but still no fluoride

That's a good thing mate.Do your research.A few day's out in the bush without it isn't going to make your teeth rot.

[stry]

I'm guessing that no one in this thread was far sighted enough to acquire a stash of Ipana Tooth Powder when it was available

[ribuck]

Xylitol chewing gum is a great toothpaste substitute. Good for your teeth, and gives a nice mouthfeel too. It can be hard to get, although some Asian grocers have it. Possibly there are other non-sucrose chewing gums that also work.

[sable]

Hello,

I have used Thai tooth powder and mishwak. I also know about neem.

(1) Thai tooth powder

(1a) Viset-Niyom brand tooth powder, packet weighs 40 grams and contains;
calcium carbonate
sodium chloride
borneol
menthol and fragrance

Here's a picture on amazon;

https://www.amazon.com/Viset-Niyom-Orig ... B007NUXDUE

(1b) Thipniyom herbal tooth powder packet weighs 40 grams and contains;
calcium carbonate
ammonium alum
borneol flakes
sodium chloride
menthol
crystal camphor
clove oil
peppermint oil
TR-1 compound
myrrh oil
sage oil
camomile blue oil

Here's an online reference;

https://thai-voyage.com/en/uhod/za-polo ... 00008.html

I've found these powders useable in the field.
I don't carry a whole packet.
For each time I expect to brush my teeth (about twice a day) I take out enough to cover my index fingertip; wrap quantities in folded strips of aluminium foil.
It's very small and light.

(2) Mishwak is a stick from a tree; the following reference is helpful.

https://www.mcri.edu.au/users/dr-elisha ... alth-issue

Another good reference

http://earthdrifter.com/blog/2013/05/22 ... the-mouth/

I saw it used in the Middle East.

I used it; no drama. Just a stick. No pain to use.

Although I haven't bought it in Australia, I have noticed that some online vendors sell it.

If you live in Melbourne, I think it would be possible to find Mishwak around Brunswick or Coburg where Arab traders operate. I would try one of the Arab grocery shops. It should be cheap.

(3) Neem: I've never used it but have seen it used in India where it was popular.

Here's a reference;

http://www.fishpond.com.au/Health/Neem- ... vQodYFYANA

The above options are alternatives to standard toothpaste. They are not the same, but forum member might like to try them as lightweight options.

All the best,

[ofuros]

Toothpaste tablets...

Convenient, lightweight, take what you need for the length of your trip, choice of flavours, fluoride or fluoride free varieties...crush, brush & rinse.
Combine with a compostable/biodegradable dental floss for those hard to get areas.

[Stamina]

Which brand of tablets are pictured?

[ofuros]

Which brand of tablets are pictured?

There's quite a few choices nowadays. I've tried 2 for bushwalking.
Chubby toothpaste tablet is made by Lush, 4 different funky flavours to choose from...fluoride free.

Thinner tablet is made by Dr Robb, peppermint flavour + fluoride. Preferred only because it produces a little less froth.

Both crush & turn into a paste easily.

[ofuros]

A couple of tablet cons to watch out for...moisture (humidity) in their container can soften/dissolve them into a paste, also jiggling loose within a container will turn them into a powder during a longer walk.

Still usable, just messy.
A small sachet absorber or cottonwool to fix.

[rcaffin]

Puzzles me - do you NEED toothpaste?
Could you not just brush enthusiastically, and maybe use a bit of dental floss wound onto the handle of the brush?

Cheers
Roger

[ofuros]

Embedded daily life routines are tricky to let go of...plus there's that satisfying, happy, clean minty feeling afterwards.

For shorter walks...needed no
Thru-hikes over months...I'd go with a yes.

As always, it's a choice of gear you want to take with on a bushwalk...and everyone's compromise is different.

[TentPeg]

I think I definitely need this dehyd paste to keep the weight down now that I've swapped over to taking my battery toothbrush

[Lostsoul]

Just get your teeth taken out,you will be lighter all round with no teeth and no toothpaste