In this world of convenient and disposable everything, it's not surprising that the concept of a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste is a hit with travellers. This product can be pretty handy for controlling bad breath, whether you're travelling extensively or just taking a quick trip.
What Is a Disposable Toothbrush?
A disposable toothbrush is usually small, inexpensive and used only one time before it's discarded. Usually, it comes "pre-pasted" with the toothpaste already on the toothbrush in smaller quantities.
When to Use One
You can probably think of several occasions when members of your family would have a reason to use a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste. These can include:
- Long days in the office or at school, when you need to maintain fresh breath but don't want the inconvenience of carrying a whole kit of toiletries around with you;
- Overnight stays, such as pyjama parties for the kids or business trips;
- Business lunches, followed by lengthy discussions that would benefit from fresh breath and no food stuck in your teeth.
The Indian Journal of Dental Sciences notes that the disposable toothbrushes are meant for one-time use and are found to be very effective in maintaining oral hygiene regimes in cases of travelers, children and elderly patients, hospital patients, and anyone else that lacks manual dexterity. To further your oral hygiene, the Indian Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day but no more than three times a day.
Because they are so easy to carry, you can never go wrong with a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste to keep up your oral hygiene programme.
Choosing a Disposable Toothbrush
Disposable, pre-pasted toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes, however, choosing the right product is a bit more complex.
First, identify your needs for managing bad breath. Are you looking for:
- Something small that's easy to carry (which would make size a criterion);
- A toothbrush that can be used more than once (which would indicate a non-pre-pasted product); or
- A product that offers additional benefits with a freshening bead and a toothpick at the other end?
You'll also need to determine whether you'll have access to clean water, because a disposable toothbrush with toothpaste capsule that needs moistening will probably also require rinsing afterwards. Some of them don't need rinsing, so there's no requirement for water.
A Good Choice for Travel
Is this product a good option for travellers? It depends on how long you're away. The cost is proportionate to the convenience for one or two uses, particularly in situations like refreshing yourself in-flight on airlines where you aren't allowed to take liquid or toothpaste in your cabin bag. If you're going away for three weeks to Hawaii, however, it could be expensive in the long term. You might want to take one for the day you're actually travelling, and put your regular toothpaste in your luggage for the rest of the trip.
A disposable toothbrush with toothpaste is ideal for use during short trips, when you need to travel light or when you find yourself staying away from home unexpectedly and don't want to purchase a full set of everything you have back home.