Dental Care
Paste, Brush, Floss...

Plastic dental care products, such as toothbrushes, dental flossers, picks, floss containers, and toothpaste tubes, are a major source of plastic waste. These products are often disposable and non-biodegradable, meaning that they can take hundreds of years to decompose. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away each year. All this single-use plastic ends up in landfills and incinerators, and in the ocean.
The impact of plastic dental care products on the environment is significant. In landfills, plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater. In incinerators, plastic can release harmful pollutants into the air. And in the ocean, plastic can entangle and kill marine animals, and break down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine life and humans.

If you want to help reduce plastic pollution, you can do a few things:

Choose sustainable, compostable, or recyclable products. Like bamboo brushes and toothpaste tablets (see below!).
Look for products that come in recyclable or refillable packaging. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is produced.
Choose toothpaste that is made with natural ingredients, and avoid toothpaste that contains microbeads. Microbeads are tiny plastic beads that are often found in toothpaste. They can harm marine life and pollute waterways.
If you can't find a toothpaste you like in an environmentally friendly packaging, try to buy bigger sized products to reduce the number of individual tubes that you use.

Learn more about plastic pollution on UNEP, the UN's Environmental Program.

Here are our favorite sustainable and environmentally friendly packaged products:

hello: Toothpaste Tablets

hello: Antiplaque + Whitening Toothpaste Tablets

hello produces a plastic-free, sustainable alternative to traditional toothpaste. These tablets are perfectly dosed, so you don't waste any toothpaste per brushing. They also help to whiten teeth by removing surface stains, remove plaque, and freshen breath. The tablets are free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, and sulfates. They come in a plastic-free, fully reusable, and recyclable metal box packaging. Each pack contains 60 tablets.

We like the taste and the tablets are easy to use!

Price Range: $6 - $8

Shop at Amazon

Also comes in refill cardboard bottles

Activated Charcoal

Amazon

Charcoal Refill Packs

Amazon

Also comes in watermelon flavor for kids!

Quip: Refillable Floss Pick

The quip Refillable Floss Pick is an eco-friendly, reusable floss pick with a sleek, mirrored dispensing case. The reusable pick is designed for a lifetime of flossing, and comes preloaded with a mint floss refill pod (7M) that removes 180 disposable picks from landfills.

To use the quip Refillable Floss Pick, simply press the button on the top of the pick to release a new piece of floss. The floss is pre-strung, so you don't have to worry about getting tangled. The sturdy, rubber-grip handle makes it easy to floss even in hard-to-reach places.

The quip Refillable Floss Pick also comes with a sleek dispensing case (in a variety of colors) that stores, trims, and keeps your floss fresh. The case also has a mirror inside, so you can give your teeth a quick touch-up on the go.

The quip Refillable Floss Pick is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and keep your teeth clean and healthy. It's easy to use, travel-friendly, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

This works really well if you like using flossers but don't want the waste! We ended up using our own floss in there which ripped less.

Price Range: $11 - $13

Shop at Walmart

TeenFighter Wheat / Bamboo Tooth Brush

TeenFighter Wheat Straw Toothbrush, Bamboo Charcoal Soft Bristles Toothbrush for Kids and Adults

This bamboo charcoal toothbrush is made of natural wheat straw and bamboo charcoal, making it a sustainable and healthy choice for your oral care routine. The small toothbrush head design cleans teeth better, while the 240° curved toothbrush handle fits comfortably in your hand. This toothbrush comes in a 10-piece family pack, so you can have one for everyone in the household.

We love the soft bristels. The small head means this works well for kids and adults.

Price Range: $12 - $13

Shop at Amazon

Weleda: Children's Tooth Gel, Spearmint Flavor

Weleda Oral Care Children's Tooth Gel, 1.7 Fluid Ounce, Fluoride Free, Spearmint Flavor

Children's Tooth Gel is a gentle and effective cleanser for children's delicate first teeth. It is made with calendula flower extracts to keep gums clean, silica for thorough cleaning, and fennel and spearmint flavors to make cleaning teeth a happy ritual. The gel is fluoride-free and free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, surfactants, synthetic preservatives, flavors, colorants, or raw materials derived from mineral oils.

I love Weleda in general, and most of their products include less plastic. In particular this toothepaste tube is made of metal and only the top is made of plastic. Also, it's so refreshing to have a kids' toothpaste flavor that isn't bubble gum or fruit :) The delicate mint is just enough to leave a fresh taste and not be spicy for kids.