Sustainable tooth brushing: dental care without plastic and harmful substances

Brushing our teeth is a (hopefully) daily part of our lives. But how do we actually brush our teeth? Why sustainable toothpaste, toothbrushes without plastic and organic dental floss are the better choice - for you and the environment. We present more sustainable alternatives to conventional toothbrushes that do not require any plastic. Also: sustainable toothpaste (which isn't actually toothpaste), tongue scrapers and dental floss.

Brush your teeth with toothbrushes without plastic

We put our toothbrushes in our mouths several times a day - and so often unknowingly absorb pollutants. BUND warns that conventional plastic brushes can contain carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Anyone who follows the advice of many dentists and uses an electric toothbrush is exposed to even more toxins. "Cables, circuit boards and batteries sometimes contain hormonally harmful plasticizers, lead compounds that are harmful to reproduction, carcinogenic 1,3-propane sultone and other problematic chemicals," writes the environmental protection organization.

If you switch to a toothbrush made from sustainable materials, you won't have to worry too much about these toxins. In addition, the dental care products do not take decades to decompose and do not break down into environmentally harmful microplastics. Many of the sustainable toothbrushes are made of bamboo, a particularly fast-growing raw material from Asia. The best thing to do when buying is to look for fair trade and sustainability seals - this way you can really recognize better models.

Bamboo toothbrushes are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic brushes. They are recyclable, resource-saving and non-toxic. We show and...

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Also pay attention to the material of the bristles: Toothbrushes with nylon bristles are unfortunately not biodegradable, but useful for your teeth.

The Bayrischer Zahnärzteblatt, which is published by the Bavarian State Dental Association, warns that natural bristles can easily impale and the bristles are more susceptible to bacteria. However, this statement has not yet been scientifically proven. In addition, the bristle tips are often not rounded, which may increase the risk of injury to the gums - but this has not been proven either.

Toothbrushes with nylon bristles are said to be better suited for brushing your teeth – also made of bio-nylon made from castor oil. Such bristles based on castor oil are used by the Hydrophil brand, for example.

Better toothbrushes: You should know these models

There are also alternative electric toothbrushes: the Happybrush from the TV show Die Höhle der Löwen is often cited as an example. They are available** online at Flaconi, Ebay and Amazon, among others. Here, part of the proceeds goes to a charitable project and the packaging is plastic-free. You can also buy a toothpaste that does not contain many questionable ingredients.

But even if electric toothbrushes are supposed to be better suited for dental care, the plastic heads have to be replaced regularly. In addition, the Happybrush - like any electrical device - consumes electricity. If you brush with a manual toothbrush, you have to scrub more, but it is easier to find an environmentally friendly alternative.

Sustainable toothpaste: Dental care with microplastics and pollutants?

Proper dental care is extremely important because it helps prevent cavities and plaque while also keeping your breath fresh and your teeth white. However, conventional toothpaste is repeatedly criticized: in 2018, Öko-Test found sodium lauryl sulfate, polyethylene glycol and chemically related substances (PEG) in toothpaste, among other things. According to the BUND, some of the preservatives contained in the tubes are even associated with reproductive harm, reduced sperm quality or premature puberty in girls. In addition, there is a lot of plastic that toothpaste tubes are made of.

Fortunately, there are now sustainable alternatives to conventional toothpaste:

Dental floss, interdental brushes and tongue scrapers: are there ecological alternatives?

Dental floss is essential for thorough dental care. But commercial products are mostly made of plastic or nylon. They are therefore based on petroleum and are usually packaged in a plastic container. An alternative made from pure silk and beeswax is organic dental floss: There are various products** at PureNature, BioNaturel, Ecco Verde, Avocadostore or Amazon, among others. Although silk is not an undisputed raw material, it is still better than pulling plastic through your teeth.

Only interdental brushes clean even more thoroughly than dental floss. Even the fine brushes for interdental spaces are mostly made of plastic. Now the dental product manufacturer Humble has also brought an alternative with a handle made of bamboo onto the market (buy** at BigGreenSmile or Amazon, among others). The bristles are made of nylon. A similar product is also available from Hydrophil** and EcoYou (buy** at BioNaturel, among others).

For additional oral hygiene, many people use a tongue scraper. This helps to remove bacterial plaque from the tongue. Unfortunately, most models are made of plastic and have to be replaced after a few uses. The alternative: durable stainless steel tongue scrapers. You can find many models** at Amazon, Ebay, Avocadostore or Shop Apotheke, among others.

Brushing your teeth with home remedies: What good are Miswak sprigs and activated charcoal really?

Brushing your teeth with a branch? What sounds like a scene from a survival film is part of everyday life for many people. Because the Miswak branch is very common, especially in the Arab world. The tree it comes from grows in the desert and is primarily native to Africa, the Near East and the Middle East.

This natural "toothbrush" is completely compostable. Studies have shown that miswak has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to the valuable ingredients, you can supposedly even do without toothpaste when brushing your teeth. The only problem: the long transport and the often used plastic packaging.

Buy**: You can get Miswak toothbrushes from e.g. Waschbär, the Avocadostore, Ebay or Amazon. Alternatively: The Swak toothbrush made from bio-plastic also uses Miswak (available from Avocadostore or Amazon).

Many manufacturers offer dental care products with activated carbon. Anyone who brushes with activated charcoal powder can whiten discolored teeth again, because the rough charcoal simply rubs off deposits. However, this can also be dangerous: in the long run, the charcoal wears down the tooth enamel and roughens the tooth surface. This makes the teeth more susceptible to toothache and other ailments. In addition, dirt can settle more easily on the roughened tooth surface.

Conclusion: For a toothpaste smile you should not reach for overpriced charcoal products. It is better to brush thoroughly the conventional way and use dental floss regularly.

Teeth also need sustainability: brushing your teeth properly

The most sustainable materials are of little use to you and the environment if you have to give yourself several plastic fillings every few years. Proper brushing of teeth therefore not only protects the environment, but also health.

To prevent discoloration and tooth decay, you should consider the following:

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Keywords: Beauty purchase advice Avoid packaging