Going Green for the New Year

Does your New Year’s resolutions for the coming months include reducing your ecological footprint? If so, let’s ring in the year with some basic and innovative dental ideas to help you meet your goal.

Conserve Water

This is probably the easiest –and most cost-effective!—item on our list. If you leave the water running while you brush, you’ll watch gallons of water go down the drain daily. Luckily, toothbrushes rely on wrist power rather than water power. Wet your brush before you begin, and use water only as needed to rinse. You’ll save hundreds of gallons of water every year.

While we’re near your sink, if you like to rinse after brushing and flossing with disposable plastic cups, consider using compostable paper products or a regular drinking glass that you can clean after use.

Biodegradable/sustainable /recyclable toothbrushes

Some brushes promise to be completely compostable, with handles manufactured from sustainable woods or bamboo, and heads fitted with biodegradable boar bristles. Investigate before you buy, because boar bristles aren’t for everyone. Some users complain about the taste; boar bristles are harsher than the soft bristles we recommend to protect your enamel and gums. Organic bristles are also more prone to bacterial growth.

If you prefer the consistency and texture of regular synthetic bristles or wish to avoid animal products, you can still opt for a brush with a handle made of sustainable wood or bamboo. These brushes also offer PBA-free bristles, bristles made largely from castor oil, or bristles that use natural ingredients in combination with synthetics.

Don’t forget recycling as a possibility to cut down on your plastic use. Toothbrushes with handles made from recycled plastic can be recycled once you’re finished with them.

Biodegradable dental floss

This is another innovative take on dental supplies, and one that offers lots of new options. Regular dental floss is usually made from waxed nylon. On the other hand, biodegradable floss can be made of silk or plant materials and coated with beeswax or plant-based wax. Some of these biodegradable flosses even come in refillable or compostable packaging.

Organic toothpaste

If you’re incorporating organic foods into your diet, you know that organic options are more easily available than ever before. And now there are more organic toothpastes available, as well. Natural toothpastes can be found that are vegan, fair-trade sourced, and preservative- and artificial ingredient-free.

Before you buy, though, do discuss your choices with the doctor. Many natural toothpastes are formulated without fluoride, a mineral shown to prevent cavities in study after study. Which leads us to . . .

See Your Dentist Regularly for Checkups and Cleanings

In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine, don’t forget to schedule regular appointments for examinations and professional cleanings at your Roseville dentist. These checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing potential problems. During your visit, your dentist can assess your oral health, clean your teeth thoroughly, and discuss any concerns you may have. They can also provide personalized recommendations for products and practices that are good for you and good for the planet, promoting a lifetime of natural, sustainable smiles.