Low-Waste Oral Hygiene Ideas

The importance of maintaining tip-top oral hygiene is no news, but the way folks approach it can differ greatly even if the fundamentals remain the same.

For most, grabbing a tube of toothpaste, a brush, dental floss and a bottle of mouthwash from the supermarket or pharmacy is pretty standard. Some, however, have reasons for looking for alternatives that are considered healthier, better for the environment, and even cheaper.

Fortunately, there are some really great homemade recipes and products on offer that help to sidestep some of the issues that storebought products cause without scrimping on the freshness of your breath or the health of your gums.

Source: Gittemary Johansen/YouTube

High-Waste Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene can be a pretty wasteful endeavor. Toothpaste comes in an entirely unnecessary cardboard box, which at least can be recycled, and a usually unrecyclable plastic tube. There are also ingredients in certain brands of toothpaste that some people would prefer to avoid.

As well as being encased in a small plastic box, the floss itself can cause a number of environmental hazards. Usually made from nylon, floss takes hundreds of years to biodegrade, and escaped strands have caused issues for marine animals.

The American Dental Association recommends that we change our toothbrushes every three months. This means that the USA alone throws away one billion toothbrushes each year. These will end up in landfill or worse, washed up on beaches.

Mouthwash is another key component of keeping our mouths healthy. Some are actually medicated to help treat conditions such as gingivitis while others are simply cosmetic and used to give you that zingy fresh sensation.

Often filled with some unnecessary chemicals, mouthwash is also bought in large plastic bottles that just add to the mountain of recycling.

Low-Waste Oral Hygiene

The great news is that there are lots of alternatives to such high-waste toothcare products. There are many recipes for homemade products that use simple ingredients found in most pantries and more sustainable and earth-conscious products for sale.

Source: Zero Waste Cartel/YouTube

Bamboo Toothbrushes- You will find options to buy toothbrushes made from recycled yogurt pots or old plastic bottles, but even though there has been a delay in the landfill destination, they will still likely end up there once they have finished cleaning teeth.

Alternatively, there’s an option to buy toothbrushes with 100% compostable handles made from bamboo. These often come in recyclable cardboard boxes. Usually, the bristles are made from biodegradable BPA-free nylon. Make sure you clock the material of the bristles as there is a chance that they might be made from animal hair.

Homemade Mouthwash- If you are looking for a mouthwash that makes your breath feel fresh and leaves your gums buzzing that does not contain alcohol or other chemicals, there are some really simple ways to make your own.

With just water, some essential oils, and maybe some baking soda, you can make up a batch of mouthwash that has freshening, as well as medicinal properties. Check out this OGP article that guides you in making your own mouthwash.

Source: Trash is for Tossers/YouTube

Homemade Toothpaste– With some simple ingredients such as coconut oil, baking soda, and some essential oils, you can make some great toothpaste that has antimicrobial, teeth-whitening, and breath-freshening qualities. Try this recipe for making your own toothpowder.

Compostable Dental Floss- Thankfully there are a number of sustainable alternatives to the commonly used nylon dental floss. However, do your research. Just because something is 100% compostable doesn’t mean it’s vegan. Watch out for floss that is made of silk or coated in beeswax.

Instead, there are options to get floss made from bamboo or corn fibers. As well, if you look out for vegan versions, you will find that plant-based waxes have been used. What’s cool is that many of these eco-flosses come in their own little containers made from metal or glass with refills readily available.

Toothpaste Tablets- These little tablets often come in sustainable packaging like reusable glass jars or paper packets. The tablets are first chewed to make a paste in the mouth and then brushed around the teeth like regular toothpaste. They tend to come in quantities of 60 tablets, meaning that for most, one pack should last about a month.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Speak to your dentist before changing your oral hygiene regime, and seek advice about the best course of action for you. If using essential oils in the mouth, do not ingest.

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