Oral hygiene routine is a must-have for healthy teeth and gums. Nonetheless, one thing most people fail to realize is that dental care waste hurts the environment. From plastics in toothbrushes to chemicals in toothpaste, many dental care items are contributing to environmental problems.
With a conscious approach, however, it is possible to practice sustainable dental care. Read on and we’ll talk about some of the best products that will help you have a zero-waste life.
The Best Products for Sustainable Oral Care
Are you looking for eco-friendly products for your regular oral care? Below are some of the best choices that will help you reduce your waste and do something good for the planet.
- Eco-Friendly Toothpaste
From having fresh breath to the prevention of plaque, toothpaste is beneficial in many ways. Nonetheless, many may be unaware that it can also be an environmental hazard. The packaging itself can generate millions of tons of plastic. To add, the ingredients also pose risks. For instance, they contain microplastics, similar to what you will find in cosmetics.
By switching to zero-waste toothpaste, you are taking a bold step to live a green life. Technically, they are not zero-waste packaging, but they will help in the significant reduction of your dental waste. They do not contain plastic packaging and instead use reusable materials. They also feature healthier ingredients, which are good not just for humans but also for the environment.
Another good option is to make your own toothpaste. This is not only eco-friendly, but is also less expensive. The basic ingredients include baking soda, coconut oil, and sea salt.
- Sustainable Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes are often on the top of the list when it comes to dental care products that generate significant waste. In fact, it is a part of the growing plastic crisis. So, if you are looking for a simple way to live a more sustainable lifestyle, it is time to switch to an eco-friendly toothbrush.
Among others, one of the most popular among people with a zero-waste lifestyle is a bamboo toothbrush. Although, some of these toothbrushes still have nylon bristles. Some have compostable boar bristles, but many people are still not fans of it because they are not vegan. Even big brands like Colgate are introducing low-impact toothbrushes, especially those made with durable aluminum handles with replaceable heads, which will help minimize waste.
- Green Floss
You might not realize it every time you are flossing, but it can contribute to environmental waste. Most of them are made of nylon, which is non-biodegradable. More so, it is created not to tear, which makes it more harmful to marine life when they end up in the ocean. Wax in floss, meanwhile, contains perfluorinated chemicals, which are also believed to have detrimental health effects.
You do not have to stop flossing! It is a must-have to promote the best oral health. What you should do, however, is to ditch the traditional floss and switch to an eco-friendly alternative.
A good example of zero-waste dental floss is one made of natural bamboo fibers with organic tea tree oil and activated charcoal, which will work as antimicrobial agents. Natural flavorings like organic peppermint are also added.
Corn fiber with candelilla wax coating is another great option. As for the packaging, reusable glass is commonly provided in green flosses.
- Recyclable Aligners
Clear teeth aligners have gained more popularity in recent years. They are comfortable and removable while also requiring fewer dental visits than braces. Nonetheless, despite its benefits, one issue that many people often fail to consider is its impact on the environment, especially in terms of the waste that it can generate.
Plastic is the main material used in teeth aligners. They will end up in landfills and will require hundreds of years to decay. Most are not recyclable. Dentists do not recommend recycling aligners because it is technically a type of medical waste.
However, there are organizations with active programs that will help you recycle any brand of teeth aligner. A good example of such an organization is TerraCycle. Through Spotlight Oral Care, you can drop your aligner at a participating dental office, and they will collect it. They will melt flexible plastic aligners and turn them into hard plastics before transforming them into a new product. All aligners are thoroughly cleaned before they are processed.
In Closing
Now is the time to switch to a green lifestyle. To be more sustainable, one thing that needs to change is your dental care routine. By going zero-waste, you are reducing the harm that your actions inflict on the environment. You can do this by switching to eco-friendly toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss. To add, you should also find a way to recycle your teeth aligners safely and hygienically.
