How long does toothpaste last in long term? 1-3yrs? what is substitute for toothpaste? salt ?

don't know how long it lasts but I have read somewhere that folks used to use the end of a twig that was feathered out to brush teeth. I think it was willow but I am not sure.

Baking soda

I don't know how long, but my parents bought some AIM toothpaste at an auction for a grocer going out of business when I was 12 or 13... and they just finished the last tube. That made it 17 or 18 years old. I personally am working though some tubes that I bought about 6 years ago when a store had it on clearance.

I just looked at a small tube of Crest that I had left in a pencil box of travel supplies somewhere between 1982 and 1988, and it still seems to be good. No mold or anything.

Baking soda is okay if you don't have sensitive gums or problems with receding gums. It's pretty gritty.

To tell the truth, you don't really need toothpaste -- it's the brush that does the work. Toothpaste just provides some flavor that is adequate to keep you brushing and leave a little minty freshness, and most kinds provide some fluoride, which is usually the only "active" ingredient. Brush your teeth, brush your tongue, and no one will know you didn't use toothpaste unless they were specifically looking for the scent. (personally, I'd stay away from those people.....)

Sue