Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Oral Hygiene Products

At first, your oral hygiene products may seem harmless. Sure, they clean your teeth and mouth effectively. However, many are made of plastics and chemicals that can harm the environment when discarded. If you’re not careful, you could be ingesting microplastics, as well. 

As people become more conscious of the planet’s daily waste output, it’s imperative to take action for the environment and the well-being of future generations. Discover how you can shift to greener oral health items and learn what environmentally friendly features to seek out.

5 Eco-Friendly Dental Products to Try

Taking care of your oral health is more enjoyable when your products can help protect the environment. Love your teeth and the planet with these sustainable items:

Bamboo Toothbrushes

Around 1 billion toothbrushes are discarded annually in the U.S., so more companies are turning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo. Unlike plastics that never fully decompose, these help reduce waste because they quickly break down in landfills. Bamboo is also compostable, meaning you can dispose of the old handles in a compost bin. 

When searching for a sustainable toothbrush, consider spending more on a higher-quality item that promises durability rather than buying easily replaceable, more affordable options.

Natural Toothpaste

While conventional toothpaste can help prevent cavities, it can’t address the issue of plastic waste. When looking for toothpaste, search for something gentle on your teeth and the planet. The fewer ingredients, the better. 

Product innovations such as chewable toothpaste tablets are also great alternatives. You don’t have to squeeze the product out of a plastic tube anymore. All you have to do is pop one tablet in your mouth, chew it until it forms a soft powder, brush and rinse to clean your teeth. Toothpaste Bits by Bite is one example of the product. They also have a fluoride-free option in a variety of flavors.

Eco-Friendly Dental Floss

Floss is an integral part of oral health routine, but only less than half of Americans commit to it. The product is usually made from Teflon or synthetic waxed nylon that can take many years to decompose in a landfill. Fortunately, sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable floss picks come with compostable, toxic-free handles designed to break down more easily than conventional products. Products made of silk, plant, beeswax, recycled paper and bamboo are great options, too.

Another tool to consider is an electric water flosser — a reusable, long-lasting device made to clean the in-betweens of your teeth and gums.

Mouthwash

Tons of mouthwash bottles end up in landfills every year. Instead of using a product with alcohol, treat your mouth with sustainable ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative. Choose cruelty-free brands, meaning no animal testing was involved during their production processes.

If you want something portable, try Humankind’s Mouthwash tablets — a vegan product containing tartaric acid from grapes to help balance your mouth’s pH. It comes with a durable glass cup and a refillable silicone tablet holder which allows you to freshen your breath anytime, anywhere.

Tongue Scraper

Scraping your tongue comes with many benefits, including improving your sense of taste and removing bacteria and food debris. It’s an effective way to remove particles known to cause bad breath. Instead of buying a plastic tongue scraper, opt for a sustainable product made out of stainless steel. 

Keep Your Teeth and the Planet Clean

Making minor adjustments to your daily oral routine can significantly contribute to a healthier environment. You don’t have to go all-natural in one go — gradually transitioning from conventional oral products to sustainable alternatives is a great starting point.