Let’s talk teeth. Here’s how I keep my teeth and the planet clean.
Toothbrushes
Plastic toothbrushes were one of the first things that I stopped buying when I started my Zero Waste journey eight years ago. Did you know, the average person will go through 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime, and in the US, 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded every. single. year?!
Plastic toothbrushes cannot be recycled because they easily get stuck in recycling machinery, and since plastic never fully biodegrades, every single plastic toothbrush ever created is still somewhere on this planet today (either a landfill, or worse, the belly of a buddy who lives in the ocean!), and will remain on this planet forever 🥺🐠
Instead of plastic, I use a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush from Package Free. Why? Not only is bamboo one of the most sustainable regenerative materials on Earth, but it also decomposes within 6 months after composting it. If you’re wondering how to responsibly dispose of your brush once it starts to get a little gnarly, check out this article!
Psst. Traveling with your toothbrush? Whenever I travel, I like to put my toothbrush into a reusable silicone bag. This helps keep the brush clean, and if you’re like me and toss your toothbrush into your toiletry bag immediately after brushing your teeth, it keeps the rest of your stuff dry.
Toothpaste
I’ve been making my own toothpaste for years now because it means no plastic tubes, no trash, no landfill! Plus, I make my own toothpaste with just three ingredients that I can trust (and that can be commonly found in bulk bins or in recyclable packaging. Check out my DIY Toothpaste recipe! 🥳
But if you’re not into DIY, we have lots of amazing, ready-made, and plastic-free options at Package Free!
Floss
This dental lace is made with mulberry silk, and is coated in candelilla wax, which means that it is fully biodegradable after use. It’s also packaged in a glass container and is refillable when you’re done.
Tongue Scraper
This stainless steel tongue scraper helps freshen your breathe and fight bacteria. Plus, it also to enhance your sense of taste! Win win win.
Mouthwash
These tablets help restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health, and freshen your breath—without any unnecessary water or packaging. All you have to do is dissolve 1 tablet into a little bit of water, and then voila, plastic-free mouthwash!
