5 Eco Dental Swaps For A Low Waste Routine

Want to know all about the most effective eco dental swaps on the market? Read on to find out more.

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Your dental routine can often be overlooked, but it’s one area of your everyday routine that could be generating a lot of waste. From plastic toothbrush tubes to nylon floss, most of the conventional products you see in the supermarkets are bad for the environment.

It’s great to see progress being made with the rise in people switching to safer, plastic-free alternatives, but there’s still a long way to go.

Luckily, many of the eco-friendly alternatives are affordable. And they are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, which is better for your health. Here’s 5 eco dental swaps you should have on your radar.

Eco Dental Swaps For Your Cabinet

1. Bamboo Toothbrush

I have to start this list with the most obvious swap that I could think of: A bamboo toothbrush. Conventional toothbrushes are made from plastic, which is not easily recycled, and cannot break down in landfill. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a natural plant that is completely biodegradable. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that doesn’t require the use of pesticides and fertilisers, so it’s better for our health and the environment.

While the bristles will have to be cut off and recycled, the handle of a bamboo toothbrush is biodegradable. Therefore, all you need to do is put it in a compost bin. Some people also like to reuse their bamboo toothbrush handle for various craft activities.

There are so many options available, but if you’re unsure where to start, this toothbrush * is a great option. Both the toothbrush handle and the packaging are completely biodegradable.

2. Plastic Free Toothpaste

Most toothpaste is packaged in plastic tubes and containers. As you know, this is pretty standard. Unlike other household items, you can’t cut back on how often you use toothpaste. When looking for sustainable items, you need to look for glass containers, recyclable aluminium tubes and refillable options. These aren’t easy to find in local shops and supermarkets, but if you have a refill store nearby, you’ll probably be able to pick something up.

To get you started, the Ben & Anna sensitive toothpaste * is great if you have sensitive teeth and gums. It’s the one I use, and I swear by it. It is a bit on the pricey side, so I’d only recommend it if you have sensitive teeth. If you can tolerate toothpaste tabs, these ones by Truthtabs * are great because they are cost effective. Not to mention the packaging is fully biodegradable, as well!

3. Biodegradable Floss

Normal floss is made from nylon, which is a non-biodegradable material. That means every time you use traditional floss it will end up in landfill, where it will remain for a very long time. It can also be a danger to marine animals. So, what’s an eco-friendly alternative? Silk floss. This floss is made from natural silk created by silkworms. It’s believed that no silkworms are harmed in the harvesting of silk, making it a far better alternative than nylon. Bambaw’s floss * is a good option, as one roll is enough for 200 flosses! If floss isn’t right for you, then interdental sticks * made with bamboo handles work would just as well as the plastic versions. They are biodegradable and dentist-approved!

4. Low Waste Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an optional step in your dental care routine, but some people simply can’t go without it. If that’s you, swapping to a plastic free alternative is a step in the right direction. Georganics mouthwash tablets * might be a bit different to what you’re used to, but they are highly effective. They are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, making them a great option if you have sensitive teeth and gums. All you do is put one of the tabs in a glass of water and when it dissolves, gargle with the mixture for 30 seconds, just like you would with a normal mouthwash. It really simplifies your dental routine! And they are super convenient to take with you when travelling.

5. Tongue Scraper

Many dentists and health experts recommend tongue scraping as a way of removing bacteria, improving bad breath and improving your overall health. There are some plastic options on the market, but these have to be thrown away usually after 3 months. This means they have the same negative impact on the environment as plastic toothbrushes! Getting a reusable copper * or stainless steel is a better alternative and it’s really long-lasting, too.

Being more sustainable starts with slow, simple swaps. I hope you found some value from this guide!