SAVE YOUR SMILE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
With the recent rise of environmental concern, climate activists are busy collaborating and protesting around the world in an effort to save our planet. Here at Dentists on Bloor, we are also doing what we can to decrease our carbon footprint.
In this blog, I will share with you some products that patients have graciously shared with us in an effort to decrease the amount of plastic we throw into the trash. These are great tools that will not only help you maintain a healthy smile but to also help preserve the health of our planet.
TOOTHBRUSHES
Most toothbrushes are made with a large plastic handle and contain tiny synthetic bristles at the top that we use for brushing. Did you know that the average person will use 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime? That is a lot of toothbrushes thrown into the garbage that will take hundreds of years to decompose.
What can you do?
Drop off your used toothbrushes at Dentists on Bloor. We have joined Colgate's recycling program that will recycle toothbrushes, wrappers and dental floss containers properly.
View the link below for more information
But let's go one step further, what if you could get a biodegradable toothbrush?
GOOD-BYE PLASTIC HELLO BAMBOO
When carved from its raw form, a bamboo toothbrush does have a considerable smaller ecological footprint compared to plastic. This is because bamboo is biodegradable. You can compost the handles of bamboo toothbrushes, just don’t forget to remove the nylon bristles. You can also find ways to creatively reuse the toothbrush handles, such as turning them into plant markers for your garden.
Here are 2 websites that you can look into for more information.
FLOSS
I know what you’re thinking, Dr.Walden what possible harm could a thin flimsy piece of string do the environment? Well, Floss itself is made of plastic and don’t forget the plastic container it comes packaged in. One solution is to turn to reusable glass containers which can be refilled with silk floss. Introducing the FLOSSPOT!
https://kmhtouches.com/flosspot.html
https://www.lalooma.ca/en/427-dental-hygiene
Also, PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH YOUR FLOSS DOWN THE TOILET!
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/flushing-dental-floss-toilet_n_59c02739e4b0186c2205101c
TOOTHPASTE
In an effort to find a solution for the plastic waste that comes from an empty toothpaste tube a patient told me about toothy tabs, an all-natural toothpaste that comes in the form of chewable pellets. These are a lifesaver when traveling as they take up less space and you don’t have to worry about carrying a tube of over 100 ml in your carry-on.
https://www.lush.ca/en/face/teeth/boom%21/04342.html
The only problem I have with the LUSH product is that it does not contain fluoride. So if you have sensitive teeth or are prone to cavities this product may not be the best product for you. Instead you should look into products with Xylitol.
I am still learning about what changes I can make to help the environment, so if you have any products you would like to share with me, I would love to hear from you. Perhaps not all of these products will work for you and your family, but if we start with one small change, we can make a huge difference in the world we live in and the world our children will inherit.
Let's all try to make a small step to change. I know I will be doing my part!
THINK TODAY, ENJOY TOMORROW
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