Plastic has ultimately dominated the environment, as the world’s manufacturing companies have taken this non-biodegradable material and infiltrated every industry, including the dental industry. Plastic can often be found in our toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers due to its low price and easy-to-mold properties, making it one of the most highly used commodities in dentistry. However, if you care about the effects people have on the environment, you are most likely aware that plastic is a huge problem filling up our landfills and polluting our oceans. One of the biggest questions people ask when it comes to sustainability is what they can do to change their impact on the environment. As dentists, we can offer our perspective on the issue and provide ways to reduce that impact while brushing our teeth.
How Our Oral Care Habits Impact The Environment
Even while more and more people are becoming more aware of the choices they make, it’s always a good thing to continue exploring new ways of creating sustainability throughout every aspect of your life, including dental care. Maintaining our oral health can come with some challenges, especially for those who struggle to maintain an eco-friendly consciousness from the luxuries of convenience. Still, to us, the minor things matter the most. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your actions sustainable while brushing your teeth:
Use Less Water: This is the most crucial habit you can take part in causing. Eliminating wastewater can allow people to have more access to fresh water and help natural ecosystems sustain their environment. Each person wastes over four gallons of water along while brushing and flossing. Shutting off the water after wetting your toothbrush and only using the water to rinse will reduce water waste significantly.
Toothpaste Tablets: Some companies have taken the initiative to become more sustainable by developing toothpaste tablets to replace tubes. These tablets help reduce plastic waste while also dispensing toothpaste in just the right quantities to allow you to brush your teeth.
Bamboo Toothbrushes: Another product that can be purchased to reduce plastic waste is to choose bamboo toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are fully biodegradable and often come from sustainable sources. The bristles are also BPA-free, leading to less impact on our overall health.
Be Conscientious: Overall, choosing the best products and using less water will make long strides towards sustainability, but one of the essential jobs you can do to improve your sustainability is to continue researching the effects that your choices make on the environment, including the companies you purchase from and how they innovate an Eco-friendly future.
Your Impact on Your Environment and Oral Health
Researchers have been looking into creating more sustainable oral health interventions and encouraging the industry’s growth towards more environmentally friendly models of oral health care for patients. However, for the average person, making long-lasting efforts through gradual changes is one of the best ways you can ultimately improve your oral health and help the environment. Contact your primary dentist to learn more about your impact and schedule an appointment today to keep your teeth healthy.