April 22nd is Earth Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eco-friendly living. You might plan to plant a tree, or spend the day in the garden, but why not make a few changes to the oral hygiene products you use at home? If you’re looking for an influential way to go green, here are 3 eco-friendly dental products to add to your brushing and flossing routine.
1. Switch to Bamboo Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Most toothbrushes are made of plastic, which isn’t biodegradable.
With the American Dental Association recommending a new toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, that’s a lot of toothbrushes that will end up in landfills. You can reduce your household waste by switching to bamboo toothbrushes. You’ll still get an effective clean while reducing your footprint on the environment.
2. Choose Zero Waste Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great addition to any oral hygiene routine. It kills bacteria missed by your toothbrush or floss. Unfortunately, many come in plastic bottles, which will end up in dumps across the country. As an alternative to traditional mouthwash, consider using tablets. You place a tablet in a cup of water to create the mouthwash. Many come in glass bottles, which are perfect for reusing or recycling.
3. Swap to a Waterflosser
Flossing is the only way to keep gum disease at bay, but floss often comes in plastic containers, which will find their way into landfills. Even plastic flossers are harmful to the environment. A waterflosser is a great investment that will save money down the road while also reducing your footprint.
A gentle stream of water is used to clean the most difficult-to-reach areas in your mouth. It’s a simple and effective alternative, but if you’re not ready to give up traditional floss, look for those made of silk and packaged in cardboard.
Besides swapping your oral hygiene products, don’t forget to schedule a semi-annual cleaning and checkup. Your dental hygienist will remove any buildup left behind by your toothbrush or floss to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Your dentist will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning, like decay or gum inflammation. With your oral health directly linked to your general wellness, you can look and feel your best by visiting your dentist twice a year.
About Dr. Alison Garrad
Dr. Garrad achieved her dental degree at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, graduating in the top 5% of her class. She has regularly continued her education in many specialties to provide state-of-the-art dentistry, like Invisalign and dental implants. She is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through our website or call (903) 412-5300.
