Sustainability is one of the most important practices of this time, as we need to combat climate change and create a greener planet. Conscious consumerism is vital to cutting down on our overall waste. The way we approach our family’s dental routine can also become greener!
As parents, it is crucial that we strive towards an eco-friendly society and choose greener products that do not cause greater harm and waste to the environment.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of options available in dental care to leave the planet greener and contribute to your child’s healthy and happy smile!
What eco-friendly options are available for parents?
Let’s analyze some of the options available out there that are considered eco-friendly for dental care, but are also a good option for your children’s teeth:
Bamboo Toothbrushes
We discard billions of plastic toothbrushes every year. For most people, toothbrushes are considered disposable, with a short life.
Dentists recommend we change our toothbrushes once every four months, so it’s no wonder toothbrushes produce so much plastic waste annually:
- “Normal” toothbrushes: These are made of fossil fuel-derived polypropylene, which is used to produce electric and plastic manual brushes. They have a big impact on the environment.
- Bamboo toothbrushes: Toothbrushes made from bamboo are a bio-friendly substitute as they are biodegradable.
- Electric toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes are 11 times more environmentally harmful than bamboo toothbrushes.
However, it is essential to remember that bamboo trees are not always best for increasing biodiversity or growing trees to offset carbon emissions. For this reason, it is important to review which bamboo toothbrush to choose. Try to research the company to ensure that they produce their bamboo stock in a way that respects the surrounding ecosystem and does not intrude on land for food production or disrupt biodiversity.
Natural Toothpaste
Regular, store-bought toothpaste can be environmentally harmful. This is because toothpaste contains ingredients such as triclosan, carrageenan, microplastics, and artificial colours. Once toothpaste is down the drain, it can contribute to water pollution and have adverse effects on our fragile aquatic ecosystems and marine life. Similarly, toothpaste capsules come from plastic and go back to the landfill.
Although it may sound strange, it is possible to make your own toothpaste at home using simple ingredients. For example, baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint. It can also be cost-effective. You will also avoid many harmful chemicals that will make you and your children’s lives healthier.
What can be better than keeping money in your pocket and making the planet greener?
If you do not have the time to make your own, you can purchase plenty of environmentally friendly and natural substitutes from selected stores. Many of them contain mint, salt, or aloe vera. Research your options and choose what suits you best.
Reusable Silicone Toothbrush Covers
Toothbrush covers keep your child’s toothbrush clean and protected from bacteria and germs. However, covers are often made from plastic, which contributes to unnecessary waste in the environment.
- These covers fit over the toothbrush head. You can take them off every time your child cleans their teeth.
- Silicone covers are a durable, easy-to-clean, and sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.
If you want to make a difference, choose durable products over single-use.
Compostable Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders, where parents can keep their family’s toothbrushes safe and in place, are also usually made of plastic, which contributes to waste.
Did you know there are many alternatives to plastic holders that are made from eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo, corn starch, and wheat straw?
These alternatives are compostable and biodegradable, offering another tremendous solution to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
Reduce water waste and use a compostable and reusable cup
Water is a fundamental component of brushing our teeth. However, we should all be conscious of unnecessary water waste when brushing our teeth.
We are all guilty of leaving the tap on when brushing our teeth, but by being extra conscious, we will avoid unnecessary water waste.
We should avoid using our hands as a substitute for holding water, as they contain germs and can make us sick. Instead, parents can give their child a reusable or biodegradable cup to help them brush their teeth.
Turning the tap off while brushing can save up to 64 cups of water. If you brush twice a day, you would lose 8 gallons a day, 200 gallons a month, and over 2,400 gallons a year!
Although 70% of our planet is covered in water, less than 1% is drinkable. By being extra conscious of our tap, we will make a considerable effort to conserve our water.
Environmentally friendly floss
Every year, we throw 5 billion plastic floss picks into landfills. Floss takes hundreds of years to break down. Many flossing products also contain harmful chemicals, microplastics and synthetic coatings. These are some facts why floss is not environmentally friendly:
- Floss: Traditional floss is usually nylon which is a synthetic material. Nylon comes from fossil fuels which emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- Packaging: Packaging for floss also poses a major challenge to the environment. The cartridges that contain floss are plastic and we discard them too.
Alternatives include floss products created from bamboo, silk, or plant- based fibers. Parents can choose healthier and greener alternatives, with game-changing innovations that are 100% compostable and biodegradable and do not contain any harmful microplastics. Natural floss products contribute to greener oral care and to a more ethical planet.
Eco-friendly dental routines can protect your child’s future
Fighting climate change may seem like an overwhelming task, especially as a parent, as we are naturally anxious about the safety of our children and their futures.
Although it may seem that we have little control over the health of the planet, making little choices as day-to-day consumers can have a monumental impact on the health of the planet. Whether it is using a bamboo toothbrush or making an effort to decrease water waste, we can protect the overall health of our children and still be counscious about the planet.
By making small, greener choices, we can knock down the wall of climate change and build a greener future for our children. By educating your child on the importance of greener choices, we can lay the foundation for them to become environmentally conscious adults who will inherit and cherish a greener planet.
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