Conventional oral hygiene routines contribute more plastic waste and chemical runoff than most realize. The people at Ecofam say that transitioning to sustainable oral care alternatives better aligns healthy habits with ecological sensibilities. Doing so alleviates environmental guilt without sacrificing sparkling smiles.
Try Toothpaste Tablets
Toothpaste tubes seem harmless enough, yet rank among the most commonly trashed plastic bathroom items. Shifting to toothpaste tablets eliminates tubes entirely while saving upwards of 80% plastic compared to traditional toothpastes. These condensed minty pucks formulated using premium ingredients like essential oils, vitamins, Ayurvedic botanicals and activated charcoal clean effectively with just a quick chew and swish of water.
The best toothpaste tablets ship in glass or metal tins, minimizing packaging waste further. Customizable subscription services ensure a fresh batch arrives as needed without remembering repetitious store supply runs. With types specially designed to address sensitivities, whitening, gum health and more, toothpaste tablets check all the boxes for sustainable oral care done right.
Consider a Bamboo Toothbrush
Billions of plastic handled toothbrushes meet their demise annually in landfills as no program effectively recycles used models caked with toothpaste film and saliva residues. Renewably harvested bamboo offers a responsible alternative growing faster than popular trees used for disposable paper products. Bamboo absorbs less water resulting in fewer resources used during manufacturing.
Ergonomic designs with charcoal infused bristles, curved handles and travel cases make the switch from traditional plastic toothbrushes seamless. Performance testing verifies bamboo brushes clean and polish teeth comparable to mainstream counterparts without compromise. Some even feature replaceable heads to limit waste when the bristles eventually fray. With eco-friendly options spanning top brands, organic boutiques and big box aisle, sustainable bamboo toothbrushes prevail reasonably accessible.
Floss Sustainably
While essential between-the-teeth cleansing relies on floss to dislodge plaque and food particles brushing misses, much mainstream floss links back to questionable plastics and synthetics. Finding plastic-free floss requires more effort, but it is definitely possible. Variants spun from silk, linen and soft waxy bee fibers biodegrade gently as intended when inevitably flushed or tossed after each use.
For those seeking to stick with traditional waxed nylon floss yet reduce associated waste and exposure to toxic perfluoroalkyl substances, sustainable floss products made in the USA from responsibly sourced ingredients offer sensible solutions. Natural peppermint and other pure flavorings are included in these models, which clean teeth optimally and leave no unpleasant aftertastes. Cardboard dispensers replace cumbersome plastic floss containers as well for smooth and eco-friendly flossing experiences.
Cut Down on Mouthwash
Many popular mouthwashes contain alcohol, fluoride, artificial dye and unnecessary antimicrobial ingredients the body likely never requires. To cut back on mouthwash while upholding oral wellness goals, switch primarily to plain alkaline water. Swishing pH balanced alkaline water after brushing neutralizes acidity from foods that erode enamel and attract cavity causing bacteria. Amplify the effect with a pinch of mineral-rich Himalayan salt in water; it makes a simple, sustainable oral rinse.
For occasions demanding heavy-duty germ purging like post-surgery or battling gingivitis, look for therapeutic oil pulling formulas to use sparingly. Pure organic coconut, sesame, sunflower or olive oil swished and then discarded safely pulls toxins from the mouth without harsh chemicals or plastic bottles added to recycling loads.
Conclusion
Thankfully, adopting sustainable oral care does not require major lifestyle changes. Switching to eco-friendly products is enough. Simply adding toothpaste tablets, bamboo toothbrushes, and plastic-free floss to your shopping list makes protecting the environment easy. Switching to alkaline water as a mouthwash further reduces costs. Small changes to your oral hygiene routine will quickly reduce plastic waste, leaving you with a confident smile.
