PLASTIC FREE TIPS: DENTAL CARE

Welcome to week 2 of Take 3’s Plastic Free Tips! This week, we’re looking at dental care. 

The medical industry has relied heavily on plastic due to durability, flexibility and sanitary properties. Until recently, health equipment and products (like toothbrushes!) have been almost exclusively made from plastic. However, the demand for sustainable options has seen plastic free alternatives enter the market.

Here’s how you can keep your smile and the planet healthy at the same time!

1. Switch your toothbrush
   Plastic toothbrushes are a common item found in clean-ups. Make the switch to compostable bamboo toothbrushes. You can also repurpose your toothbrush and use it as a cleaning tool to extend its life!
2. Floss plastic free
   Traditional dental floss products are made from, you guessed it, plastic. You don’t have to compromise your smile and ditch floss all together though. Purchase natural fibre dental floss that comes in a refillable jar. The floss can then go straight into your compost bin after you have finished using it.
3. Use tooth powders and toothpaste tabs
   Usually found in glass or metal jars, tooth powders or toothpaste tabs are great alternatives to toothpaste that comes in plastic tubes. Aluminium packaged toothpaste is a step in the right direction, but the plastic lids are still unavoidable. Better yet, there are also recipes available online for making your own!
4. Say hello to metal tongue scrapers
   Not as commonly used, but still made from plastic, are tongue scrapers. You can find copper or stainless steel tongue scrapers which last longer and are 100% recyclable once you’ve finished using them.

Stay tuned for more plastic free living tips next week!