Environmentally Friendly Tooth Care

We’re often faced with the lure of various products hoping to stem our worry about environmental impact. As we focus on incorporating preventative measures to improve our health, we’re also worried about chemicals in the products we use and their potential dangers or threats to our health. In considering what product may be safe for ourselves and our environment, it’s worth noting that the Mayo Clinic believes there is insufficient evidence to suggest triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient commonly found in consumer products, including toothpaste, soaps and detergents, is overtly dangerous. Most green products for oral care offer a fluoride-free option for those worried about excessive ingestion – despite the studies that show the benefits of fluoride greatly outweigh the dangers.

However, if you are looking to break from the mainstream with everyday dental care to adopt practices and possibly products that may be safer it can be daunting, especially when it comes to something essential like your hygiene routine. To help simplify, we’ve researched some of the more popular products and presented them here:

Preserve Toothbrush: This green brush has a handle made from 100% recycled plastic yogurt cups, and includes a nifty case for travelling.

The Environmental Toothbrush: If you’re trying to swear off plastic (even of a recycled variety), these bamboo toothbrushes from an Australian company might just be for you. “The handles are biodegradable, environmentally sustainable, and do not pollute the environment. The amazing growth and self-renewing ability of bamboo means that deforestation is not necessary either. Even our packaging is biodegradable.” The cost is $36 AUS for a 12-pack, only a little more than $25 with the conversion to U.S.

Eco-Dent Monte Bianco Toothbrush: This firm manufactures various vegan toothpaste and floss varieties, and these brushes come with removable heads to save on further waste. All this – and they cost much less than most everyday toothbrushes at $1.99. 

Desert Essence Natural Toothpaste: This company has an assortment of different toothpaste varieties, ranging in flavor and whitening ability. All are SLS free, and many are gluten and fluoride free depending on your preference.

Dr. Ken’s Toothpaste: Another brand that offers both fluoride and fluoride-free options, Dr. Ken’s is an all natural variety that is more visible on the store shelves than many other companies that dominate the market – if you’re looking for an easy switch over to eco-friendly products, this might be the option for you.

Whatever you choose to use to maintain your teeth and gums, if you want to do your part to protect the environment and conserve resources, it is always beneficial to turn off the faucet when you brush!