With spring in the air and Earth Day reminding us of how lucky we are to live on such a beautiful, lush planet, many of us are reflecting on what we can do to protect the natural beauty that surrounds us and how we can conserve. On a daily basis, we can make a difference by doing big things like planting trees and volunteering to clean up waste in our local communities. But we can also make a big difference by incorporating small changes into our daily routines.
Your oral hygiene routine may seem insignificant in the context of its impact on the environment, but you might be surprised at how big a difference you can make through small adjustments. The following tips will help you green up your routine while keeping your teeth beautifully white.
Save Water: According to the Eco Dentistry Association, the average person wastes 90 glasses of water a day during their daily oral hygiene routine. Make sure to turn off the water while brushing.
Conserve Energy: If you don’t use natural light during your teeth-cleaning routine, switch your bathroom or vanity lights to LED bulbs. With a lifespan between 50,000 to 100,000 hours, LED bulbs are long lasting and energy efficient.
Recycle Your Toothbrush: Toothbrushes have a life span of three or so months. Make sure to purchase one that is compostable or recyclable. Consider toothbrushes with replaceable heads to reduce the amount of waste your dental hygiene routine creates.
Natural Toothpaste: There are several brands of toothpaste that are made from natural products, including JĀSÖN toothpastes.
Floss Options: Dental floss cannot be recycled; however, there are compostable floss picks you can purchase. If you prefer traditional tooth floss, beware of sites that recommend cleaning and reusing it. Because floss is used to remove bacteria from your teeth, most health professionals do not recommend reusing it.
While making small changes to your hygiene routine can make a big difference, taking simple measures to improve your dental health so that you require less time in the dental chair is key to living greener. Here are some simple, environmentally friendly steps you can take to help you maintain and protect your oral health:
Rinse with Salt: Rinsing with saltwater regularly helps get rid of unwanted bacteria and germs in your mouth. It’s simple, inexpensive, and natural.
Clean with Water: Consider investing in an oral irrigator or water flosser. These devices use water to clean in between your teeth and at the gum line. They can be used in the place of floss, saving our environment from extra waste.
Clean Your Tongue: Tongue scrapes clean the bacteria off your tongue, protecting your teeth from decay. Some are made from stainless steel and can be reused again and again.
Eat Organic: Crisp fruits and vegetables are good for your overall health, but they are especially good for keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Make sure to buy local and organic when possible. It’s better for you and the earth.
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