Teeth Wipes: Oral-B Brush Ups and Alternatives

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, including Azdent Deep Cleaning Teeth Wipes and My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues.

Oral-B Brush-Ups were textured teeth wipes that you could use anywhere to quickly clean the plaque off of your teeth and freshen your breath. Brush Ups fit over your finger like a little sock to wipe over your teeth, tongue, and gums. They didn't require any water or rinsing. They also had a special moisture shield that kept your finger dry. Oral-B Brush-Ups were sugar-free to prevent cavities and they had a refreshing mint flavor. They were also individually wrapped, making them perfect to keep in your purse, backpack, desk, or car.

Brush-ups weren't recommended for children under 5 because the mint flavor might be too strong. Adult supervision was advised for children under 8 years old. While these brush ups were not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, they were great for helping to keep your teeth and mouth clean and fresh feeling throughout the day.

Oral-B no longer makes Brush Ups, but there are some similar items you can find in stores and online. Azdent Deep Cleaning Teeth Wipes are almost identical to Brush-Ups. They have the same fit, they're textured, and they have a sugar-free mint flavor.

My Dentist's Choice Tooth Tissues are made specifically for preventing tooth decay in babies, but they can be used by all ages. The 99 percent 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 are also great for little ones. They look just like Brush Ups, but they're paraben and fluoride free, and they're proven to be effective.

If you need more serious breath freshening, you're better off brushing your teeth. A product like teeth wipes is more of a fun product that won't do the trick. Teeth wipes will temporarily minimize bad breath, but they can't get rid of it.

You need to make sure you have proper brushing twice a day, beyond using a teeth wipe. Brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Use a toothbrush with bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums. Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth effectively, including brushing your tongue. Also, clean between your teeth each day with floss or an approved product.

You may want to keep individually-wrapped teeth wipes handy for times 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. But it is wise to keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss at work or in your car to use rather than relying on teeth wipes.