How to take care of your dental health while maintaining zero waste?

Dental hygiene and zero waste

This article is part of a broader theme, which is dental hygiene. We have an article that covers this topic in a comprehensive manner: dental hygiene

The environment is a hot topic, and we can no longer ignore the impact of modern consumption on our planet. And while the task may seem insurmountable, the solution lies in small, daily changes. Adopting a zero-waste lifestyle can seem like a daunting undertaking, especially in our busy urban lives. It therefore seems more likely to improve your routines little by little, change your habits one step at a time, and stick to them, rather than radically transforming your home and daily life overnight.

One sector that has recently been in the news is cosmetics and hygiene. Figures reveal that self-care often comes at the expense of nature. Not only do the products on the market almost systematically feature excessive packaging, but their components are often non-recyclable, and the chemicals they contain are not necessarily harmless to our biological environment. For example, nearly 300 million toothbrushes are sold each year in France, and due to their limited lifespan, they also represent 1,400 tons of all household waste generated in France. Globally, more than 3,000 tons of toothpaste tubes end up in landfills each year. Added to this catastrophic situation is the equally harmful ingredients contained in these packages: recent studies reveal that some are dangerous for our health in the long term, just as they pollute water, a vital natural resource. Faced with these alarming figures, it is time to act by adopting a more responsible attitude.

We continue with organic natural toothpaste

To complete your new ethical and ecological routine, you can also choose to use a natural toothpaste, whose formula is unlikely to have a harmful impact on water and whose packaging will not clutter up landfills. Here again, a growing number of brands and supermarkets are now mobilizing and meeting the demands of responsible consumers with toothpastes made with plant-based or even organic ingredients. In order to limit packaging to the bare minimum, some companies even offer solid toothpastes, thus avoiding the ever-thorny problem of recycling the tube. Of course, natural toothpastes foam less than their mass-market equivalents, but this is simply a matter of habit that you will quickly unlearn. And in any case, know that it is the mechanical action of brushing more than the use of a particular product or ingredient that is necessary for oral health. The feeling of fresh breath is, however, an undisputed benefit of using toothpaste, and it's only natural to prefer it. Bar toothpastes are very easy to use: you just have to rub your toothbrush two or three times on the block before starting your usual oral care routine. Practical to carry everywhere, they are also ideal to take on vacation in your cabin baggage. This solid format is so popular that it is now also suitable for other bathroom classics, such as deodorant or shampoo bars. Perhaps the greenest solution is to make your own: this way, you avoid any carbon footprint, you don't generate any waste due to packaging, and you can ensure the quality and simplicity of its ingredients.

In short, deciding to become a responsible consumer is no longer reserved for those who have the time and patience to prepare their own cleaning or hygiene products, although recipes, eco-friendly tips, and blogs dedicated to them are now abundant on the internet. Nowadays, on the shelves of our supermarkets, there are green alternatives to consumer products that allow you to avoid excess packaging or the excessive use of chemicals. You no longer have to choose between your health and the planet, between ecology and lifestyle.

We obviously have several articles that cover this topic in more detail:

The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day

How long should you brush your teeth?

How to maintain your toothbrush

How to brush your teeth properly

brushing the tongue

the tongue scraper

We also wrote an article on how to avoid bleeding gums right here: Bleeding Gums

Our specific article on the benefits of dental flossing right here: dental floss

We wrote an article on how to make your own mouthwash: Making Your Own Mouthwash

If you are interested in this subject, discover our more specific articles: