Taking care of your oral health is a priority, but do you ever stop to think about how eco-friendly your current oral routine is? 

We often don’t think about the products we use, with most choosing whatever is on sale or a specific brand that they have grown to prefer.

However, many dental hygiene products use plastic in their packaging which makes waste disposal a large problem. This is just one example of many things to consider when determining how eco-friendly your dental care routine actually is. 

Below are some ways to make your oral health routine more eco-friendly.

Use An Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

An alternative to plastic toothbrushes that provide a more eco-friendly option, are bamboo toothbrushes. The bamboo handle of these toothbrushes are biodegradable making it much easier to break down when compared to plastic. Bamboo is a sustainable alternative as it grows fast and organically, making this a great choice to use as an alternative resource.

Recycle Packaging Where Possible Or Choose Zero Waste Alternatives

Most oral hygiene products come in either cardboard or plastic packaging. Where possible, be sure you dispose of your packaging in the recycling versus the trash. 

To take it a step further consider using zero waste oral hygiene products, like toothpaste tablets versus traditional toothpaste. Toothpaste tables can be purchased in compostable packaging or reusable packaging, and function like regular toothpaste. Place a tablet on your toothbrush, add water and begin brushing.

Use Less Water

Be conscious of how much water you use and make sure to turn off the tap immediately after wetting your toothbrush. Turn it on only when you’re ready to rinse.

Eco-Friendly Flossing Options

For an eco-friendly dental floss option, consider biodegradable floss made from natural products like silk and plant-based wax.

Also, try a floss handle to limit the amount of floss you need to use every day. The handle also makes it easier for you to reach the back teeth that are often difficult to floss.

Silk floss is often accompanied by a refillable container so that you can purchase refills versus purchasing an additional disposable container. Refillable containers help reduce plastic waste that often ends up in landfills.

Switching to a few green dental products may not seem like you’re making an impact but many small actions do add up. Be aware and conscious of your choices and do your part to help make the planet a better place. Consider these tips to take care of your teeth and the environment. 

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