Oral Health

I did my best to brush teeth daily on the street. If possible, I got free toothbrushes from homeless services.

When not possible, I got the cheapest toothbrush I could find, ideally a pack of four, five or six toothbrushes for a dollar or two. If not, I tried to not spend over a dollar per toothbrush because I have a serious medical condition, so I treated my toothbrushes as disposable. I used them ONCE and threw them out.

I would buy a small travel size toothpaste and store it in a ziploc bag. I stored toothbrushes in a ziploc bag as well until they got used up.

Theoretically, you could buy peroxide and try pouring peroxide in the ziploc bag with the toothbrush to disinfect it. Peroxide is a non-toxic bleach alternative. I have, in fact, soaked my toothbrush in peroxide in a small cup overnight while houses but never tried doing so in a Ziploc bag while homeless.

If you have less serious health problems than I have, that may be sufficient. You can get a bottle of peroxide at Walmart for about a dollar (plus tax). It's a lot more at most other places.

If I couldn't get a toothbrush AT ALL, I vigorously rinsed my mouth with water at a public sink at least once a day.

If you are in homeless services, try to supply cheap toothbrushes in abundance and travel size toothpaste and don't be all judgy. Homeless people lose stuff. They have no means to store stuff. Etc. Stop acting like their lives and behavior should look housed people.

Footnote 

Originally published elsewhere on August 18, 2023. Slightly edited.