 Nothing brightens a room like a nice white smile. Good smiles are the result of careful dental habits that thoroughly clean teeth, removing anything that might cause cavities or other kinds of dental issues. However, many of these practices are not beneficial to the planet as they are resource intensive and also burdensome on our ecosystems. Here are a few tips from EnviroCitizen.org to help you maintain a bright smile without taking a toll on the planet.
Make a switch to eco-friendly toothpaste, such as Tom's of Maine. These toothpastes use natural ingredients and biodegrade after use. While you can get eco-friendly toothpaste, it is just as important to use toothpaste as sparingly as possible. Instead of coating the entire brush head like they often show on TV, the FDA recommends a pea-sized amount. Just a small amount of tooth paste is sufficient to clean your mouth.
Try out eco-friendly floss as well. Most conventional brands do not biodegrade. There are, however, eco-friendly brands that will break down over time. Eco-Dent makes a whole line of environmentally-friendly dental hygiene products.
For some, brushing and flossing isn't enough. Therefore, your dentist may recommend a water pick. A dental water pick is an electronic device that gently cleans your gums with water. It's also a resource intensive plastic product that uses water and electricity in most brands. However, there are alternatives. Some manufacturers make durable, gum-massaging picks. The picks are made of metal with a rubber tip. They last can last for years in comparison to the plastic versions, and you can recycle the metal when finally done.
Another piece of advice is to steer clear of the popular whitening strips. Whitening strips can actually have negative oral health effects as they may strip off your tooth enamel and cause early tooth decay. They actually make your teeth less tough. They also create unnecessary garbage. In most kits, you are supposed to wear two strips a day, which are thrown away after use, creating unnecessary garbage. The strips also have chemicals that are tough on the environment; such as the chemical hydrogen peroxide as well as others. It is best just to stay away from stuff like this for your health and also for the environment.
While at the dentist, some of us have to deal with the unpleasantness of dealing with a cavity. Traditionally, mercury fillings have been used to put into affected teeth after cleaning up. The FDA has not had a firm stance on how these are for your health in the long term, in spite of research that shows the dangers of heavy metals. Ecologically, heavy metals are very dangerous as well as a hazard for your own health. Ask your dentist what your alternatives are.
EnviroCitizen.org knows that good dental hygiene is very important, which is why we encourage you to practice good oral hygiene while also remaining respectful of our planet. Check out EnviroCitizen.org's selection of eco-friendly dental hygiene products.
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