PROJECT 3

DEHYDRATED TOOTHPASTE DOTS

Here is a quick tip for backpacking or camping where space and weight is a premium. I also find that my son thinks they are mints, so he chews them whenever his momma lets him have some.

This is a very easy project that someone as young as kindergarten age can accomplish. My toddler has helped me with this project, but he got more toothpaste on the wall than he did as nice neat dots on the parchment.

He also thinks the dots are candy, so that was another consideration. . . .

Simple Ingredients

Material:

•   Paste Toothpaste (non-fluoride if you plan on swallowing the dots when done)

•   Parchment paper

•   Dehydrator (or oven with a cookie sheet if you do not have a dehydrator)

•   Baking soda

•   Small Ziploc bag

Procedure:

1.     To make a chewable, single use, dry toothpaste “mint,” lay out parchment and make rows of toothpaste spots.

Make toothpaste balls

2.     Allow to dry for 2–4 days.

3.     Sprinkle baking soda on top to keep from sticking.

4.     Repackage in small bags.

To use:

Pop dried ball into your mouth

Pop one dot in your mouth, chew, then add a small amount of water in your mouth and start brushing.

Lessons Learned:

Besides the obvious benefit of reinforcing personal hygiene, it introduces the process of dehydration, as well as allowing a conversation about the benefits of thinking ahead.

The time it takes to complete this project saves time and effort during later camping trips.

Note:

This is not a long term storage project—these dots should be used within a few weeks.