You’ve (hopefully) been brushing your teeth at least twice a day since you grew them in, but did you know 20 billion toothpaste tubes are tossed in the trash each year?
A clean mouth doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet. In this blog, we’ve rounded up 7 zero waste toothpaste alternatives so you can keep your teeth pearly white and the planet clean.
Smile, your dental routine just got a little more exciting!
What’s wrong with traditional toothpaste?
The main issue with traditional toothpaste is the same issue with most products we buy today: plastic packaging!
Walking down the aisle of any grocery, beauty, or department store in any state, in any city, you’ll notice they all have one thing in common: rows and rows (and rows) of plastic packaged goods.
When it comes to oral care, the statistics are scary:
- 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are tossed in the U.S. each year
- North America alone throws away 3 million miles of floss each year
- Globally, nearly 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are tossed out annually
- Microplastics have frequently been found inside toothpaste formulas
Switching to a Bamboo Toothbrush is an easy biodegradable alternative, and Bamboo Charcoal Floss is a gentle, sturdy, and natural option.
As for toothpaste alternatives, there are so many amazing plastic-free options to choose from. There are powder, tablet, and paste forms, all with one thing in common: their containers do not end up in a landfill. They’re either recyclable, upcyclable, refillable, or compostable.
We’ve sifted through the options and rounded up our 7 favorite toothpaste alternatives for you.
Are toothpaste alternatives safe?
We all know how important oral hygiene is, so it’s crucial to note a couple of things when you’re looking for toothpaste alternatives to ensure you’re making an informed and safe choice.
Follow your dentist’s advice
Your top priority for trying toothpaste alternatives should be to follow your dentist’s advice. The options we’ve gathered are based on sustainable choices, not medical advice, so if your dentist recommends a specific brand of toothpaste for health reasons, you should listen to them.
You can always make sustainable swaps in other areas of your oral health routine, such as your toothbrush, floss, and toothbrush holder. You need to be healthy to help save the planet, so don’t sacrifice your smile!
Fluoride vs no fluoride
Many studies show Fluoride is key to maintaining oral health by preventing tooth decay and cavities and that the amount we are exposed to via toothpaste is within safe levels. However, too much exposure can cause negative side effects, which is why you’ll see many ‘fluoride-free’ natural toothpaste brands.
The American Dental Association only recognizes toothpaste that contains fluoride. Children under the age of 2 should not use Fluoride toothpaste.
Now we’ve got that out the way, here are our favorite alternative toothpaste options!
7 natural toothpaste alternatives
The smiles behind these brands have put their best tooth forward to bring you effective zero-waste alternatives to traditional plastic-packaged toothpaste!
Toothpaste tablets
Forget toothpaste tubes that always make a mess of the bathroom. With toothpaste tablets, all you have to do is pop one in your mouth, chew a little, wet your toothbrush, and brush.
No squeezing for dear life. No dollops on your best shirt. No plastic-waste. No wasting money on a formula that’s full of water. What’s not to love?
1. Huppy Toothpaste Tablets, $11.99
These gently abrasive toothpaste tablets scrub away surface stains, with essential oils to keep your breath clean and your mouth healthy. They’re fluoride-free but contain N-HA, a non-toxic Fluoride substitute. Get your first purchase in a refillable glass jar or aluminum tin, and future purchases in a compostable package.
- Fluoride-free
- Refillable tin and compostable packaging
2. Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets, $8.99
You know how traditional toothpaste foams in your mouth? It’s usually unnecessary chemicals that make it do that. Unpaste has cut out the foamy faff and uses only natural and necessary ingredients to bring you gently abrasive toothpaste tablets that effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup leaving you with whiter teeth and healthier gums.
- Contains fluoride
- Compostable packaging
3. The Humble Co. Toothpaste Tablets, $7.99
Want a toothpaste alternative the whole family can use? The Humble Co.’s formula has been developed by dentists for kids and adults alike. They’ve cut out harsh chemicals and stuck to vegan, cruelty-free, and natural ones instead.
- Fluoride and fluoride-free options
- Compostable packaging
Toothpaste powders
Like tablets, toothpaste powders cut water out of their formula, and get down to the nitty-gritty ingredients we need for a healthy and happy smile. Dampen your toothbrush, dip it in the powder, and you’re good to brush and go!
4. Georganics Mineral Toothpaste Powder, $9.90
With natural and organic ingredients, this fluoride-free toothpaste powder promotes fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums. It comes in a glass tub with a metal lid that can be used, repurposed, and eventually recycled.
- Fluoride-free
- Recyclable and reusable tub
5. Bestowed Essentials Toothpaste Powder, $8.99
- Fluoride-free
- 50% post-consumer recycled glass container with 100% recycled cork top.
Recyclable tubes
If tablets and powders seem a little strange and scary, bridge your switch to toothpaste alternatives with a familiar paste. Just make sure it has clean ingredients and sustainable packaging!
6. David’s Toothpaste, $11.99
Traditional toothpastes often use ingredients from all over the globe, manufacture them in separate locations, and then ship them far and wide. But with David’s toothpaste, you know the process is happening close to home. They use 98% USA-origin ingredients that are natural, fluoride-free, and sulfate-free.
- Fluoride-free
- Recyclable packaging (aluminium tube, plastic cab, and metal key)
(Watch our reel to see how to recycle the metal tube!)
7. David’s Charcoal Toothpaste, $9.95
We can’t talk about toothpaste alternatives without talking about charcoal, a popular ingredient for pearly white smiles. This natural wonder can remove surface stains from your teeth, although it needs to be supplemented with other ingredients to prevent deeper decay. David’s Charcoal Toothpaste combines clean and safe ingredients with coconut charcoal for enhanced whitening.
- Fluoride-free
- Recyclable packaging (aluminium tube, plastic cab, and metal key)
Final thoughts: Should I use a toothpaste alternative?
Ultimately, whether you stick to traditional toothpaste or opt for a natural toothpaste alternative is a decision you should make based on your dental health.
We’ve given you 7 toothpaste alternatives including tablets, powder, and charcoal pastes, and opinions that do and don’t contain fluoride. If you find one that’s suitable for you, great! If not, remember, that there are plenty of ways to make your dental routine more sustainable, such as a zero-waste dental care mini kit.
