Kiwis throw out around 8 million toothbrushes every year, the equivalent of a whopping 144 tonnes of plastic, according to Grin. With this scary statistic in mind, an easy way to help combat this plastic waste and do our bit for the planet is with a greener dental hygiene routine. Right now there are amazing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes as well as dental floss.
More and more consumers are not only wanting to make their beauty routines sustainable but also natural – think aluminium-free deodorants and sulphate-free shampoos. But in the oral health arena, there are natural substitutes for toothpastes, mouthwashes and whitening products which are kind to both bodies and the earth.
In light of this, BD has put together a guide to making oral health more natural and sustainable.
1. Go for an eco-friendly toothbrush
Plastic-free toothbrushes are a win-win situation: they will do the same job at keeping bacteria at bay and preventing plaque build-up but won’t contribute to plastic waste. Natural toothbrushes are often made from bamboo and can also be made from corn starch. Pick one that holds up to twice-daily brushing, such as Grin Charcoal-Infused Biodegradable Toothbrush. Made from sustainable non-GMO corn starch, the brush handle is 100% biodegradable while the bristles can be recycled through the brand’s recycling program.
2. Switch to a natural toothpaste
The importance of fluoride in toothpastes is up for debate but for those interested in switching to a natural formula, thankfully these have come a long way in recent times. Some natural toothpastes and whiteners may contain more abrasive ingredients that can wear down teeth enamel if used too often, so choose one with a mild abrasive such as Red Seal Natural SLS Free Toothpaste. With a mild mint flavour, this toothpaste is still pleasant to use yet is free from SLS, parabens, artificial sweeteners and added fluoride.
Another natural toothpaste that leaves gnashers fresh and clean minus the chemicals is Dr Bronner’s Peppermint Toothpaste. The low-foaming formula has no synthetic detergent foaming agents, is fluoride-free, vegan and cruelty-free, with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
Grin’s 100% Natural Whitening Toothpaste uses baking soda, propolis and organic sea salt to naturally whiten and polish the teeth, and neutralise harmful plaque.
3. Change to a plastic-free floss
There are now greener flossing alternatives which work just as well as traditional floss that is typically made from nylon, a non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic. Grin's Natural Mint Waxed Dental Floss is made from PTFE, a premium resilient material that doesn’t tear or shed easily. The dispenser is also biodegradable, made from PLA and corn starch.
4. Try a natural mouthwash
Mouthwash also warrants food for thought as they usually contain toxic ingredients. Swilling mouthwash kills off bacteria and promotes a deeper clean, but those chemicals and additives could be doing more harm than good. Go for a plant-based substitute that won’t compromise oral health, such as Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash which contains pure essential oils to refresh the breath and keep gums healthy.
Or if not a mouthwash, what about chewable tablets perfect for refreshing on the go? Lush Mouthwash Tabs are made up of deodorising, fizzing sodium bicarbonate to revitalise the mouth and teeth with peppermint.
5. Opt for natural whiteners
As well as appearing in everything from face masks to exfoliating mitts, charcoal is a fantastic natural whitener that you will find in many types of toothpaste, toothbrushes and whitening treatments. Though it works wonders to remove stains and bacteria, charcoal may be too harsh if used very often. It is recommended to use highly concentrated charcoal formulas as a treatment rather than for the everyday.
Grounded Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder is made with a blend of 100% natural ingredients including activated charcoal, calcium carbonate, peppermint powder, sodium chloride and ginger root extract.
For a gentler dose of charcoal designed for daily use, Colgate’s Total® Charcoal Deep Clean Toothpaste provides a deep clean, fights bacteria for 12 hours, strengthens enamel, removes stains, protects gums and helps bad breath.
