Toothpaste: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

If you’ve been following along with the news about the climate crisis, you have probably always made steps to reduce your single-use plastic in the form of water bottles, and perhaps you’ve even started a compost heap, but what about your dental habits?

When it comes to oral health, most people tend to avoid switching their products because they want to stick with what they know and trust, but the environmental impact of your toothpaste isn’t something you want to ignore.

Choosing The Right Brush

The truth is, there are many options when it comes to buying an eco-friendly toothbrush, and in fact, what you pick will depend a lot on the person you are.

Some people prefer using a manual brush instead of an electrical one because it’s portable and easy to pop in your travel bag if you’re heading away for the weekend or perhaps even further.

Choosing a bamboo brush, a wheat straw brush, or even a recycled brush is a great idea to minimize your environmental impact while still benefitting from long lasting dental equipment in your bathroom.

The Science Behind Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Your teeth are a product of your genetics; so, whatever you do in terms of brushing and flossing, it’s all going to be cosmetic. The problem comes when you’re trying to choose an option that will help your overall oral health. 

Most toothpaste contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and can help to prevent cavities. Fluoride is inorganic, unlike the other ingredients that make up your toothpaste. The ingredients are generally listed in this order:

• Fluoride: A mineral that makes your teeth stronger and helps to fight cavities.
• Amino Acid Complex: This helps to stop harmful acids from eating away at your teeth.
• Triclosan: This is an antibacterial agent that fights plaque and gingivitis. It also fights against bad breath by keeping your mouth fresh — but evidence suggests it’s no better than a placebo in terms of fighting plaque and gum disease.

Is There Such Thing As An Eco Toothpaste?

If you’re still looking for the eco-friendly toothpaste that is right for you, then the good news is that there are some great options out there.

Many traditional tubes of toothpaste can actually be quite damaging to the environment because some use microbeads (tiny pieces of plastic) or even triclosan, which not only can damage the environment and potentially harm humans but also have been shown to have a negative impact on aquatic life.

Some brands are working hard to make their products eco-friendlier, and there are some brands doing a great job of it. From recycled tubes to toothpaste tabs, there are lots of options to choose from.

Buying in bulk can help you reduce your waste, which is just one less thing you’ll have to worry about when it comes to your plastic usage. You can also get glass toothpaste dispensers that help to minimize waste and plastic production.

Another option worth considering is using coconut oil as an all-natural alternative, but be aware that many people find this to have a strong taste, especially if you haven’t tried it before.

Originally posted 2022-01-05 02:14:14.