Follow these sustainable, environmentally-friendly dental health habits to improve tooth and gum care while supporting a cleaner planet and greener future.
1. Turn off your water
Tip: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth saves 12 liters of water — each time! Think of how much more you could save by applying this habit when shaving, showering, or washing your face.
2. Use a bamboo toothbrush
Many toothbrushes are made of plastic handles and nylon bristles that aren’t biodegradable or recyclable. That’s part of why over 50 million pounds of toothbrush waste ends up in landfills annually. Bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable option — compostable, biodegradable, and just as effective as traditional plastic ones.
3. Use an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes with a reusable base help cut down on waste. Instead of throwing out the entire brush, you only replace the head. For extra sustainability, use rechargeable models that plug into the wall to avoid battery waste.
4. Repurpose your toothbrush
Before tossing out your old toothbrush, give it a second life! Use it to clean:
- Jewelry
- Computer keyboards
- Sneakers and tiles
- Window sills and kitchen appliances
Or even as a beauty tool to brush eyebrows or exfoliate lips.
5. Use a dry toothpaste
Toothpaste itself isn’t harmful to the environment — but the plastic tubes and packaging are. Dry toothpaste tablets and powders require minimal packaging and often come in glass jars or cardboard tins. They’re also water-free and highly concentrated.
6. Change your floss
Plastic floss and its containers never fully decompose. Switch to biodegradable floss made from silk, beeswax, or plant-based waxes. You can also consider a water flosser, which reduces both packaging and waste.
7. Make a DIY mouthwash
Avoid plastic mouthwash bottles altogether by mixing your own at home. Try ingredients like:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Baking soda
- Coconut oil or peppermint oil
Store it in a reusable glass jar — just don’t swallow any!
8. Don’t rinse after brushing
Skipping the rinse after brushing can reduce water waste and preserve the fluoride benefits of your toothpaste. Simply spit out the excess and you’re done.
9. Research recycling options
Look into recycling programs that accept oral care items like:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste tubes
- Floss containers
Some brands and programs even accept items by mail to ensure they’re recycled responsibly.
10. Go to a green dentist
Visit a dental office like Espire Dental, where sustainability is part of the practice. Green dental clinics reduce water usage, energy consumption, and waste by incorporating high-tech equipment and eco-conscious protocols.
Be eco-friendly with Espire
At Espire Dental, the Earth’s health is as important to us as your dental health. We believe you can go green while keeping a white, clean, and healthy smile.
Schedule an appointment with Espire Dental today!
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