Earth Day is on April 22, a time when people across the globe come together for a greener future for our planet. From joining beach clean ups to composting, there are lots of ways we can help take care of the earth, and our oral health care practices can be one of them. Many of our patients at FDA ask about how they can make more sustainable and earth-friendly choices in their home care routine. Here are 3 ways you can make your oral health routine more eco-friendly:
Recycle Your Brushes!
Almost 1 billion toothbrushes get thrown out every year in the United States. That’s a lot of plastic waste! While most municipal recycling programs don’t accept items like toothbrushes, you can collect your old brushes (and other oral care plastic waste!) and send them to a company like TerraCycle for recycling. We recommend you replace your brush every 3-4 months, and recycling the old ones can help reduce your plastic footprint.
Explore Floss Alternatives!
Flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine and our number one tip for improving your oral health. Unfortunately, since it’s made of nylon and housed in single-use plastic containers, dental floss is not the best thing for the planet. Sustainable alternatives do exist! Look for silk dental floss in reusable containers or consider a Water Flosser. You can care for your gums and the planet!
Turn Off the Tap!
An easy way to be earth-friendly in your oral care is to turn the tap while you brush your teeth twice a day. This simple act can save up to 8 gallons every day and over 200 gallons a month! Plus, as you conserve water, you’ll also save money on your water bills!
At FDA our goal is to provide the best oral health care for our patients and we strive to be as earth-friendly as possible. From using digital records and x-rays for our patients to providing mercury-free fillings, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable in our practice. This Earth Day, join us in caring for our planet’s future by making earth-friendly choices in your oral care! As always, if you have any questions or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
