My Easy Zero Waste Dental Routine For Healthy Teeth

Having a zero waste dental routine is not difficult. After making a few simple swaps, you’ll never want to go back. If you didn’t know by now, I have a dental assistant for a mom, so I’ve always been on top of my dental hygiene. My last visit to the dentist was just one month ago and I have no cavities or problems (thank goodness) so I can attest to my routine working! I also have found flossing on the daily helps me bleed SO much less when getting my teeth cleaned by my hygienist. It makes a world of difference!

A surprising amount of our health starts in the mouth: Did you know tartar build up on your teeth can cause heart problems? Everything is intersectional, so it’s important we care for our bodies. After all, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of the planet?

My zero waste dental care routine looks really similar to a conventional one. I brush my teeth twice a day (morning and night), floss at night, and use mouthwash. The main difference is the products I use to perform those tasks. For example, instead of a conventional plastic toothbrush, I use a bamboo one. This helps cut down on waste because I’m able to compost the handle at the end of its life. I also use refillable floss and mouthwash, which reduces packaging waste. Lets dive into the world of zero waste dental care and talk more on my favorite products.

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My Easy Zero Waste Dental Routine For Healthy Teeth

My go-to zero waste dental care products

Here’s a break down of which sustainable dental products I use in my routine. I also list out some alternatives I’ve used in the past, or want to try in the future.

My routine: It’s super simple! I’ll brush my teeth in the morning and at night (so twice a day). I floss every night too – this is key to good gum health! Mouthwash I’ll use as needed – sometimes in the middle of the day, or before an event/date. Sometimes I skip it entirely.

Toothbrush

I love using bamboo toothbrushes! My favorite brand is Brush With Bamboo, but I’ve been gifted an assortment of bamboo toothbrushes over the years I’m still working my way through and using up.

Here are a few other sustainable toothbrushes worth trying:

• ZWS Essentials: This toothbrush is completely plant-based: bristles, handle, and box. Made from castor bean oil, organic bamboo, and paper! You can compost the handle at the end of its life.
• The Humble Co: I’ve tried this brand before and liked it! The handle is made from sustainably grown harvested bamboo plus durable, long-lasting nylon bristle. It’s BPA-free and non-toxic. Plus, this product supports the Humble Smile Foundation, supporting oral health initiatives for those in need worldwide!
• By Humankind: Toothbrush handle is 100% bamboo. The bristles are made from castor oil. The stand is made from diatomite. By Humankind is also carbon neutral! I think I’ll be switching to this toothbrush when I’m out of my current supply…
• Cocobrush: I use Cocofloss (more on that below), so naturally, their toothbrush is also bound to be awesome. The handle is made from ~98% recycled Oceanworks plastic, like water bottles that would otherwise end up littering the ocean. It’s free of BPA, parabens, SLS, and PFAS. Leaping Bunny–certified cruelty-free. Plus, for every Cocobrush you buy, they remove an additional 10 Cocobrushes worth of ocean-bound plastic from the environment.

For even more options, check out these zero waste toothbrush brands!

Toothpaste

I’ve been using Unpaste toothpaste tablets lately. They have with fluoride and without fluoride. I personally use the one with fluoride, since it’s what my husband prefers. Also, I have a subscription via Earth Hero that comes every two months.

I love how it comes plastic-free, in compostable paper packaging. I just rip the paper package open and place the tablets into a cute little ceramic dish that sits on my bathroom counter.

To use, I pop one in my mouth, chew it, splash my toothbrush with water and brush my teeth like normal. So simple! They don’t taste chalky, but minty-fresh. I’ve tried many different toothpaste tablets and always come back to these.

I’ve also tried David’s Toothpaste, which is a great option if tablets aren’t your thing. It comes in a recyclable all-metal tube, along with a metal key to help you squeeze out every last bit.

If you prefer DIYs, you can also make your own toothpaste using coconut oil, baking soda and peppermint essential oil. I’ve done it in the past!

Here are some of my favorite zero waste toothpaste brands, if you want more options to choose from.

Floss

I’m currently using Cocofloss and loving it. While it’s not completely plastic-free, it is sustainable. Let me explain why:

• Every new spool of Cocofloss is woven with 85% recycled polyester spun from water bottles that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. 
• The dispenser is refillable, and the refills come in a compostable film (not plastic!).
• It takes 64% less energy to make compared with non-recycled thread, and 94% less water consumption.

I have VERY sensitive gums and I’ve tried compostable floss in the past. It always hurt my gums and made them bleed. Since switching to Cocofloss, I’ve found a solution that works for me, and is still eco-friendly.

Also – let me tell you – flossing on a daily basis WORKS, okay? I went to my hygienist after flossing every day for a year straight (legit did not miss a single day) and was amazed at the difference it made. I wasn’t bleeding like crazy (which I was before I started flossing daily) after a simple tooth cleaning. And, it didn’t hurt as much. So if there’s one thing you do for your health – let it be flossing on a daily basis!

Here are some more zero waste and PFA-free floss options you might like.

Mouthwash

I don’t use very much mouthwash, but when I do, it’s often Nix mouthwash or my DIY mouthwash.

I don’t exactly want to put anything that’s neon purple or blue in my mouth. So opting for a more natural mouthwash is ideal. Plus, conventional mouthwash always comes in a plastic bottle – plastic is only recycled 5-6% of the time, so we should avoid it if we can.

Nix is my go-to for a while now because it’s refillable mouthwash crystals that come in a glass jar. You just scoop some crystals out of the jar and into the container of your choice, then add water. Give it a shake, and you’ve got yourself some zero waste mouthwash!

It’s made using only 10 clean ingredients and it’s alcohol-free, so it never burns my mouth. Each jar lasts about 4-6 months too.

Here are some other innovative, natural, zero waste mouthwash options worth considering.

So, do you have a zero waste dental routine? I’d love to hear what you use in the comments!

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