Upcycled Toothbrush Kit

This upcycled toothbrush kit was created as part of a sponsored post for American Dental Association.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Last month I shared an easy way to remind the kids to brush their teeth twice a day and now I have a simple repurposed idea for adults on the go … which, let’s face it, that’s all of us, right?  This upcycled toothbrush kit is made with a used mint tin and is a really easy way to keep a toothbrush and other accessories in your purse for those times when you can’t be at home to brush.

In order to promote good dental health and oral care, the American Dental Association {ADA} has home oral care recommendations and guidelines for adults, eighteen and over.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily.
• Follow a healthy diet and limit sugary beverages and snacks.
• See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.
• Choose dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• Drink fluoridated water.
• Don’t use tobacco of any kind.
• Avoid oral piercings.

So in keeping with those first two recommendations, it helps to have a toothbrush easily accessible.  Practicing good oral health habits at home {or away from home} means those office visits will go much more smoothly.

To make this upcycled travel-sized toothbrush kit, you’ll need a clean, empty mint tin, a small toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, and floss or tools for cleaning between the teeth, if desired.  I also like to keep a lip balm in my kit.  I’m completely addicted to candy cane chapstick.

You can leave the tin plain, but everything is cuter with a coat of paint.  I spray painted this mint tin with a couple of coats of coral paint.  If you’re worried about it getting banged up in your purse or bag, you can coat it with poly as well.

Once the paint is dry, you can add a little embellishment if you like.  I couldn’t resist adding a silver tooth to the front of my travel kit.  I cut the tooth shape using my Cricut machine and silver adhesive foil then applied it right over the paint.

It used to be easy to find small travel-sized toothbrushes but they’re not as common anymore … and I’m not a big fan of the tiny brushes on those, anyway.  Instead, I modified a regular sized toothbrush by using my electric saw to trim the toothbrush to a length that will fit within the tin.  It’s still easy enough to hold on to and I like that the head is a regular size.  If you can find a small one to fit, then you can definitely go that route!  Small disposable travel toothbrushes are a great option as well.

Place the toothbrush, toothpaste, and other tools into the upcycled mint box …

… and you’re ready for on-the-go brushing and hygiene.

This cute little kit fits easily into the pocket of a purse …

… so a toothbrush is always within reach.

If you want to avoid crafting a kit, you can always keep all the accessories you need in a plastic bag and tuck it in your purse.  But whether you use an upcycled toothbrush kit or a plastic bag, as soon as you get home, break out your toothbrush and let it air dry.  Keeping it in a closed container for too long can actually breed bacteria.

Your smile is as unique as you are and so are your oral care needs.  Be sure to chat with your dentist about the best oral care routine for you!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Dental Association.