Earth Day is right around the corner. As you spend time outdoors and look for ways to reduce your footprint on the planet, why not make a few changes to your oral hygiene routine? Plastic toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash bottles end up in landfills. You can’t stop brushing and flossing your teeth to keep trash out of the dumps. Instead, here are 3 ways you can go green for Earth Day using eco-friendly products.
1. Bamboo Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have at home to keep your mouth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends switching your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or when worn, whichever comes first. With over 7 billion people in the world, that’s a lot of toothbrushes that cannot be recycled.
Bamboo is a great alternative to plastic. It is durable and biodegradable. A bamboo toothbrush will provide an effective clean to keep your teeth and gums healthy without harming the environment.
2. Waterflosser
Traditional dental floss typically comes in a plastic container. Single-use floss picks are also made of plastic, which means neither option is great for the planet.
A water flosser will reduce your plastic usage and save you money. A gentle stream of water pressure is used to remove plaque and debris from your teeth and gums. It’s a great investment in your oral health while also protecting the planet.
If you prefer to stick with traditional floss, look for options that are made from biodegradable silk. You can even find floss that is sold in cardboard or glass containers to help eliminate waste.
3. Zero-Waste Mouthwash
An antimicrobial mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene machine. Unfortunately, many come in plastic bottles, which will also end up in landfills. As an alternative, consider using zero-waste mouthwash.
Mouthwash comes in tablet form in glass containers. Simply drop a tablet in a cup of water and rinse your mouth. It is an easy way to keep your breath minty fresh while reducing your daily plastic usage.
Besides caring for your smile at home, don’t forget to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. With regular dental care and the right oral hygiene products at home, you can invest in a healthy smile that lasts without contributing to the destruction of our environment.
About Dr. Steve Cha
Dr. Cha earned his dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education in various specialties, like orthodontics, dental implants, and pediatric dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Request an appointment through our website or call (972) 449-7744.