It’s no secret that good oral health is essential for total body health. That’s why more and more of us are brushing, flossing and gargling regularly. And while that’s good news for our teeth and gums, that’s bad news for the environment.

 

Think about it: Plastic toothbrushes. Plastic toothpaste tubes. Plastic bottles of mouthwash. Plastic containers of dental floss. See where I’m going with this? We use, we toss, we buy some more. And then it all ends up in our oceans or landfills. And do you know how long it takes that plastic to break down? We’re talking hundreds of years.

 

All that waste is nothing to smile about.

 

So what can we do about it?

 

Glad you asked! Start with buying from companies committed to sustainability and making products that are both good for your teeth and good for the environment. Here’s what you should be looking for:

1. How do you say that word? If you’re reading an ingredient list and can’t pronounce most of the words, that doesn’t mean you’re dumb. But it does mean it’s probably not a sustainable-friendly choice. Look for oral care products made from simple, natural sources like baking soda, coconut oil, plant-based antibacterial substances, fluoride alternatives, and essential oils. Avoid sulfates and harsh chemicals and ingredients that need their own pronunciation guide.
2. That’s a nice package. Earth-friendly ingredients belong in earth-friendly packaging. Avoid single-use plastics as much as possible and opt for products that either use recycled materials or materials that can be recycled when you’re finished with it, like biodegradable bioplastics.
3. Read the fine print. It may seem like a little detail, but manufacturers that are serious about sustainability will use inks and adhesives to label their environmentally friendly products. Every bit matters.

 

This all sounds great, so why aren’t more companies doing this?

 

Why indeed! The technology is there. The resources are there. But is the demand? Remember, money talks. And the only way that more manufacturers are going to jump on the sustainability train is if we start throwing our cash-monies at those who adhere to these practices.

 

Some final thoughts.

 

The global waste crisis may seem overwhelming, but we can still catch up if we approach it bit by bit (or bite by bite, as the case may be). Because when we know better, we do better. So let’s do better! Small changes add up, and one easy change you can start today is switching over to sustainable oral care products.

 

Now that’s something to smile about.