5 Ways to Go Green with Your Dental Routine

In observance of Earth Day this month we are reviewing 5 ways you can go green with your dental routine.

Conserving Water

70% percent of Earth is covered in water, but surprisingly, only a 1% is suitable for human consumption. Save up to 200 gallons of water per month by turning off the water while you brush. Other ways to conserve water at home are turning off the tap while scrubbing your hands, taking showers instead of baths and only running the dishwasher when it’s full.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

Eco-friendly replacements made of recycled plastic are out there! Some companies make traditional toothbrushes with replaceable heads to decrease plastic waste. Electric toothbrush replacement heads are great options, too! You only have to throw away part of your toothbrush when you need a new one. With a little bit of research, there are eco-friendly replacements for almost all types of toothbrushes!

Choosing Eco-Friendly Floss

Something not a lot of people know is that floss is made of nylon fibers which are not biodegradable and are too small to be processed by normal recycling plants. Floss picks and floss containers are also considered mixed materials and can’t be recycled. However, there are always options for flossing with the environment in mind. Floss made from silk is biodegradable and can be composted naturally. You can also purchase floss that comes in recyclable or reusable containers, too.

Discarding Toothbrushes

We recommend a new toothbrush every 3-4 months, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. Old toothbrushes are perfect for various household projects like cleaning hard-to-reach places, polishing jewelry, or paintbrushes for craft projects.

Recycling Oral Health Products

Several organizations work with consumers and dentists’ offices to recycle old toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads, floss picks and more. These materials can be repurposed into plastic lumber and other consumer products. Search online to get involved or call us for more info.

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Happy Smiles, Happy Life!

Warm regards,

Dr. Bellingham

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