Teeth Wipes: Alternatives to Oral-B Brush Ups

Many people were sad when Oral-B Brush-Ups were discontinued in 2007. These textured teeth wipes were individually wrapped, sugar-free, and very convenient for cleaning your teeth while traveling or away from home during the day.

Unfortunately, Oral-B doesn't make a similar product, but there are a few comparable alternatives. These include Azdent Deep Cleaning Teeth Wipes and My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues.

This article explains the benefits of teeth wipes and why they aren't a replacement for a toothbrush.

Woman smiling against a white background close up — Yuri_Arcurs / Getty Images

Benefits of Teeth Wipes

Teeth wipes are portable tooth cleaning devices. You can use them to quickly freshen your breath when you're on the go.

Most fit over your finger like a little sock to wipe over your teeth, tongue, and gums. They don't require any water or rinsing.

Teeth wipes also have a special moisture shield that keeps your finger dry. Most teeth wipes are sugar-free to prevent cavities. They often come in a refreshing mint flavor and are individually wrapped, making them perfect for keeping in your purse, backpack, desk, or car.

Teeth wipes aren't recommended for children under 5 because they can pose a choking hazard. For older kids, adult supervision is a good idea.

Portable teeth wipes are not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. However, they are great for helping to keep your teeth and mouth clean and feeling fresh throughout the day.

Teeth Wipes on the Market

There are a couple of teeth wipe brands that you can find in stores and online.

Azdent Deep Cleaning Teeth Wipes: These wipes fit snugly on your finger, are textured, and have a sugar-free mint flavor.
My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues: These are made specifically for preventing tooth decay in babies, but all ages can use them. The 99% natural wipes are paraben-free and were created by two dentists for their daughter. They don't contain any fragrance, but users rave about the wipe's ability to give teeth a clean, smooth, fresh feeling.
Spiffies Baby Tooth Wipes: These are great for little kids. They are paraben- and fluoride-free.

None of the teeth wipes on the market contain the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

A product like teeth wipes is a fun, convenient product meant to freshen breath on the run. But, unfortunately, they won't do the trick to adequately clean teeth.

If you need more serious breath freshening and teeth cleaning, you're better off brushing your teeth. Teeth wipes will temporarily minimize bad breath, but they can't get rid of it.

Don't Skip the Real Toothbrush

You need to make sure you properly brush your teeth twice a day. Teeth wipes are not intended as a replacement for brushing.

Brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. The ADA recommends:

Brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Using a fluoride toothpaste
Brushing the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces
Flossing between teeth once a day
Limiting sugary snacks
Seeing a dentist regularly

Summary

Teeth wipes are a convenient breath-freshening tool that allows you to wipe your teeth on the go. You can find several brands of teeth wipes on the market. None are ADA approved.

Teeth wipes are not intended to replace brushing. Be sure to continue to brush and floss your teeth every day.

A Word From Verywell

You may want to keep individually wrapped teeth wipes handy when you can't brush your teeth, especially if you don't have access to a sink and running water. This may happen when traveling by airplane or train or if you typically spend more than 12 hours away from home. Whenever possible, it is best to use a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.