Go for a green dental routine

Make Earth Day every day. Incorporate these tips into your daily life so you can enjoy a healthier mouth and planet.

Turn off the tap

There’s no need to run the tap while you brush. Turn off the water as soon as you’ve wet your toothbrush.

Recycle your toothbrush

After three months, it’s time to toss your toothbrush. But don’t take that literally — consider giving your toothbrush a new function, like keyboard cleaner or paintbrush. For more ideas, check out the full list.

Say no to microbeads

Some toothpaste brands feature colorful microbeads, added to make the product sparkle. These small pieces of plastic can get stuck between your teeth and gums. What’s more, once they’re washed down the drain, they pile up in rivers and lakes. Mistaken for food by fish, microbeads can kill animals and cause serious ecological damage. When you’re shopping for toothpaste, avoid brands that include polyethylene. Microbeads are being phased out, but they may still be found on store shelves.

Consider compostable

Your daily dental tools don’t have to pile up in a landfill. Consider toothbrushes and floss made of biodegradable materials, such as silk, corn-based plastic, wood and bamboo.

Last updated: July 2016