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  1. #1
    Registered User stilllife's Avatar
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    Default Listerine as toothpaste

    I am going on a 5 night hike and thought I would take 2 oz of listerine to dip my brush in to brush my teeth. Also would use it as my hand sanitizer. What do you think about it as a hand sanitizer?

  2. #2
    Hopeful Hiker QHShowoman's Avatar
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    It will work, but I wouldn't want to smell minty fresh in bear country.
    you left to walk the appalachian trail
    you can feel your heart as smooth as a snail
    the mountains your darlings
    but better to love than have something to scale


    -Girlyman, "Hold It All At Bay"

  3. #3
    Registered User Ktaadn's Avatar
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    Forgive me if this is too personal, but why aren't you just using toothpaste?

  4. #4
    Registered User stilllife's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ktaadn View Post
    Forgive me if this is too personal, but why aren't you just using toothpaste?
    trying to kill two birds with one stone

  5. #5
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
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    Have you tried Listerine as a hand sanitizer? I have not, but since it's not 100% alcohol I think it will leave a residue. I just take a small bottle of Purell. Also, too, a travel size tube of toothpaste.
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

  6. #6
    Registered User Sandy of PA's Avatar
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    For 5 nights you could just brush your teeth with plain water, toothpaste is not really needed.

  7. #7
    Registered User stilllife's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sandy of PA View Post
    For 5 nights you could just brush your teeth with plain water, toothpaste is not really needed.
    But if I ran into to you on the trail you might want to kiss me!

  8. #8

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    Okay, that's a little weird.

  9. #9
    Registered User stilllife's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocketsocks View Post
    Okay, that's a little weird.
    just a joke

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by stilllife View Post
    just a joke
    I love jokes!

  11. #11
    Some days, it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sandy of PA View Post
    For 5 nights you could just brush your teeth with plain water, toothpaste is not really needed.
    true, and instead of Listerine for your hands, I bring a small squirt bottle of isopropyl alcohol. Much better sanitizer, no scent or residue, and it's also great for a foot massage.

  12. #12
    Registered User Martzy's Avatar
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    Default Listerine as toothpaste

    +1 on isopropyl. It's got more uses than most think!
    ~March 5th, 2017~

  13. #13
    Registered User Martzy's Avatar
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    Default Listerine as toothpaste

    TOOTHPASTE IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
    (sorry, hit submit too soon)
    ~March 5th, 2017~

  14. #14
    Registered User Maydog's Avatar
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    Yes, the mechanical cleaning action of a toothbrush does probably 95% of the work. You'll be fine with a toothbrush, floss, and water for 5 days. Bad breath comes mainly from the stomach and from food particles decaying in your mouth. So I say forget the toothpaste and take the hand sanitizer or some soap.
    "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." - S. Sontag

  15. #15

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    Baking soda is a light weight alternative to pastes or liquids estringients.

  16. #16

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    Before I left on my 48 day section hike this summer, I told my dentist I was planning to brush only with water, and use the small gum pics, those little brushes that fit between the teeth at the gum line. She said I should be fine, but would check me out afterward.

    I went back four months later and she thought there was no deterioration to tooth or gum.

  17. #17
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    Toothpaste is needed if you want to take care of your oral hygiene and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Toothpaste contains very very small abrasives that remove plaque from teeth and in between. Forgoing toothpaste is a good way to accelerate cavities, but it's your hike.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocketsocks View Post
    Baking soda is a light weight alternative to pastes or liquids estringients.
    +1. Also dual purpose. Baking soda helps with an upset tummy...and you can make a paste of it to clean your pots and pans....just sayin...

  19. #19
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    what is the natural/homeopathic soap I've read about, I think it's peppermint based? .... you can use it as dish soap, hand soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc...

    The other thing I have wondered about are these essential oils, such as eucalyptus maybe(?). I think some of these could be multi-purposed as insect repellent, deodorant, anti-itch medicine, maybe even as toothpaste....

  20. #20
    Registered User Sandy of PA's Avatar
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    You are thinking about Dr. Bronners I think, will use it for everything except toothpaste!

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