Earth Day is April 22, and it’s a great time to reflect on what we all can do to be a little kinder to this planet of ours. You may be thinking of helping out a local event by planting some trees or cleaning up a park, or maybe you’re thinking more big picture things, such as how you can be better at recycling or energy consumption in your home. It may not have been your first thought, but there are actually some things you can do when it comes to your dental hygiene routine to be a little more earth-friendly. Consider incorporating these ideas next time you go to take care of your teeth!
Watch Your Water Usage
Think about your dental routine: Is the water still running while brushing your teeth? Only turning on the faucet to rinse, and then turning it off when you’re actually brushing can make a big difference. It’s easy to forget, but water is one of our planet’s most precious resources, and a ton literally goes down the drain if we keep it flowing without actually using it.
Swap Plastic for Bamboo
Plastic abounds in the world, and it’s not easy on the environment. Combine that with the fact that you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months or so, and that could result in a whole lot of plastic toothbrushes littering the place. Consider getting and using a more eco-friendly toothbrush made of bamboo instead.
Recycle Batteries
If you use an electric toothbrush that requires batteries, make sure to dispose of them responsibly through recycling. The materials in batteries could spell trouble for the environment if thrown away with the rest of your trash, so it’s important to get rid of them properly.
Choose Biodegradable
Many dental floss brands use waxed nylon for their products, which is a material that can take many years to decompose. Luckily, there are more and more natural and zero-waste flosses on the market these days made with either compostable, plastic-free, or nylon-free silk. If you’re not ready to make that switch, at least think about getting nylon floss without the plastic case to cut back some on the plastic.
Looking for more dental care tips? Ashley Laird, DDS is here for you! Call or email our Tyler dental office with your questions, and we’ll help any way we can.
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