Cleaning your teeth involves so much plastic what with the tooth brushes and tubes of toothpaste. And even plastic in the tooth paste. At least 12 Crest toothpastes were identified as containing microbeads of polyethylene (PE). You can find a full list here And Crest are by no means the only manufacturer who does this.
Lucky for you I have researched a number of plastic free products for you to try.
Do You Need Dentifrice
You might want to consider if you even need to use a dentifrice. According to many a good brushing will do the job just as well…
“You can remove food debris and plaque from your teeth without using toothpaste… “just a soft toothbrush and good brushing techniques will remove plaque” according to these dentist
Home Made Dentifrice
Some products such as bicarbonate of soda and salt can be used neat to clean your teeth.
Otherwise its a combination or different abrasives in the form of a powder or paste. The key to making tooth powder is to find something abrasive and ugh to remove the plaque but not so harsh it removes the enamel .
here
Though after reading all the provisos you might prefer to buy ready made.
Ready Made Toothpaste
In A Tube
There are still some tooth pastes come in metal tubes BUT be aware that all metal tubed toothpastes I have come across have a plastic cap and the tubes are lined with a plastic liner. In A Jar
Some pastes are being sold in glass jars with metal lids. Chances are the lids are plastic lined but it’s an improvement.
You can read more HERE
Teeth Whitening & Mouthwash
Someday you can use peroxide to whiten your teeth. I say it is revolting.
You can also use it as a mouthwash.
Read more HERE
Brushes
I have tried natural toothbrushes and I am not that keen. They quickly go kind of pulpy and I didn’t feel they are up to the job. So have gone back to my electric toothbrush consoling myself with the thought that
a) the heads are half the size of a normal plastic toothbrush
b) I make my own toothpaste and
c) these are my TEETH.
Here are the compostable options
Bamboo Brush
Ther are a number of all-natural, bamboo toothbrushes on the market some of which I have reviewed.
Bamboo Brush With Nylon Bristles
In my opinion, these work better than all bamboo toothbrushes. Some claim the nylon bristles are biodegradable others dispute this claim. Best to treat this a reduced plastic option.
Biodegradable Cornstarch Bristles
This is an interesting new project that might lead to better things.
READ MORE HERE
Flossing
Some info HERE
More
Find other plastic free personal care products here…
Making Other Personal Care Products
Its quicker then trying to choose between a hundred different shampoos and it’s really simple, fun to do, so much cheaper and I get to control what goes on my body, where it comes from and what environmental impact it has.
Lots more info here on making your own personal care products