Metal Mouth Message Board

I don't know about you, but I am incapable of brushing my teeth neatly if there's toothpaste involved. So when I'm away from home and I need to brush, I brush without toothpaste so that I don't make a big foamy mess in a public restroom. Do you think it's okay to brush without toothpaste every day after lunch while at work? I still use toothpaste at least twice per day at home.

I loved your post! I too am a very messy brusher. And, I work in a really stuffy office so I'm always worried I'll get caught by a vice president brushing my teeth after lunch. There is also another woman in my office who has a terrible reputation for making a gross mess brushing and flossing. She doesn't use a cup and swishes water into her mouth with her hand and she flosses two inches from the mirror and gets stuff on it without washing it off. So, I had a couple strikes against me to start with. I've created a little routine I like. I always make sure I have a cup for water since that makes it easier. I get a couple of paper towels and lay them down and then I put my tooth brush holder and toothpaste tube on the paper towel. I grab a couple of extra paper towels so I can keep the foam neat. Instead of spitting into the sink, I spit into the paper towel wiping my mouth while I do it and I throw it right into the trash. If I do it a couple of times during brushing, I can manage to keep myself relatively neat. And then I don't get caught with icky paste spit in the sink. Then, I make sure I really rinse well and wipe down the counter. It takes a great deal of effort to not be messy but I've finally mastered it LOL.

Why don't you just try using less toothpaste?

My mom always told me growing up that no man would ever fall in love with me if they heard me brush my teeth lol. Not only the mess but the sounds I make lol

Oh my gosh, me too! ha I think it's just how you have to brush with braces which causes my messiness. I swear, I get a toothpaste drip on my shirt every other day (if not EVERY day!)

It's the mechanical movement of the brush that works. i think it's ok to brush without using toothpaste as long as you don't irritate your gums.

Love this thread! I also often brush my teeth without toothpaste when I am at work!

I sometimes use Colgate Wisp if I feel I may inconvenience others with my brushing.

Take your time brushing. I used to drip toothpaste on myself and stuff too but I learned if you slow down and use less toothpaste it really helps contain the paste to your mouth and it shouldn't affect the cleanliness of your teeth I would not think.

Crazy idea right, but try it and see. Don't feel bad for thinking I'm nuts, most geniuses are considered nuts at first.

I agree.. use less toothpaste.. it shouldn't be foaming up that much I always find a paste foams less than gel too..