Zero Waste Oral Care
Ironically, as I sat down and started to plan out this page, my electric toothbrush died peacefully in its sleep—won’t hold a charge at all (RIP). My first thought? “What’s the most zero-waste way to deal with this?” Naturally, I checked the warranty, only to discover it expired, and my toothbrush model has since been discontinued.
My next thought? “How the hell did this thing die so quickly? I’ve only had it for four years—wasn’t it like $100?” And then I remembered it was a gift, so it wasn’t $100 for me.
My last thought? “Where exactly do I toss this thing?”
So here I am, just like you, wondering: How do I brush my teeth the zero-waste way? We’ve got a lot to talk about, so buckle up.
Floss
Silk Floss
When I started my zero-waste journey back in 2016, there was exactly one option for zero-waste floss: Dental Lace. Fast-forward to today, and now there are several more brands in the game like Bite, Zero Waste Cartel, The Goodfill Co and so many more.
Silk or plant based floss has become the reigning favorite, which makes sense—it’s made from natural materials, it’s compostable-ish, and it usually comes in a chic glass or metal container instead of plastic. But there’s a catch: it only makes sense if you have access to composting. According to Dental Lace, it takes about 6-10 months for silk floss to fully break down in a compost bin. If it’s plant based, you will need access to a commercial compost bin (aka your city has a composting program). If you don’t have a compost bin or your city doesn’t compost? Yep, it’s off to the landfill.
Water Flossers
So, I’d say silk floss is great if you can compost, but if you can’t, it’s probably best to go with something else—like a water flosser. Water flossers are like the power washers of the dental world—no floss, just water and a bit of pressure to get the job done. They’re an appealing option because you’re cutting out constant disposable materials altogether.
It does cost more than floss upfront, but it should it last a long time (although I thought my electric toothbrush would last me forever, so there’s that).
While I haven’t tried one myself, I’ve heard rave reviews from friends who swear their teeth have never felt cleaner. They say it’s gentler on the gums and it’s easier to reach spots that floss can’t. The downside is you’ll need an outlet and counter space for the machine—but hey, it’s allegedly a one-time purchase versus buying floss every month.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash has also come a long way since the beginning of the zero waste trend. It used to be DIY or bust. Now, you can buy mouthwash tablets or liquid options that come in glass bottles—or if you really want to you can still DIY it.
Mouthwash Tablets
Much like toothpaste tabs (we’ll get to those in a minute—stay tuned), mouthwash tablets are delightfully simple. Just pop a mint-sized tab into your mouth, chew it a bit, swish with water, and voilà: instant mouthwash without the giant plastic jug cluttering your bathroom. Some popular options include Bite, Lush, and Georganics. We’ve also got a ton of options on good ol’ Amazon.
Then there’s Nix Mouthwash, which takes a slightly different approach. Instead of popping tabs, you get a coarse salt-like powder that you scoop into a bottle and mix with water. It dissolves, don’t worry. How long it lasts depends on how generous you get with the scooping.
Glass Bottle Options
Surprisingly, mouthwash in glass bottles isn’t as common as you’d think—because apparently, the world hasn’t realized we don’t need more plastic in our bathrooms. But no worries, it’s still possible to find options that skip the plastic altogether. Glass-bottled mouthwash is not only a greener choice, but it also adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your bathroom counter (bonus points if it’s an aesthetic amber bottle). Brands like Canary, Lucky Teeth, and Aesop have you covered, offering mouthwash that’s as sustainable as it is stylish.
DIY Mouthwash
Now, I’ll admit—I haven’t personally tried making my own mouthwash yet, but if dropping $18 on a fancy bottle of minty rinse feels like highway robbery (same), DIY might just be the way to go. From what I’ve seen, homemade mouthwash tends to lean more toward the “spicy” end of the flavor spectrum rather than the classic mint, but honestly, the beauty of DIY is that you can make it however you like. Want it minty? Go wild with peppermint oil. Feeling zesty? Throw in some citrus. Most recipes I’ve come across are simple and boil down to mixing a few key ingredients in a glass jar. Here's the gist:
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. xylitol (optional)
8 to 10 drops of food grade essential oils (optional)
20 drops of mineral drops (optional)
1 cup distilled water
Some people throw in aloe vera, that’s up to you
Toothpaste
Let’s be honest—zero-waste toothpaste options aren’t reinventing the wheel. They’re pretty much the same as zero-waste mouthwash options. You’ve got tablets, glass jars of paste, powders, metal tubes, and of course, DIY.
The debate over fluoride in toothpaste can spark strong opinions within the zero-waste community, but ultimately, the choice is yours—it's your mouth, do what you want with it. The good news is there are plenty of zero-waste toothpaste options to suit your needs. Some brands include fluoride, while others don’t, so you can select the one that aligns best with your opinions.
Toothpaste Tablets
I won’t dive too deep into this one since toothpaste tabs are basically the same idea as mouthwash tablets. The concept is simple: pop a tab in your mouth, chew it a bit, and start brushing—no tube, no waste, just clean teeth. We’ve got the heavy hitters like Bite, Lush (Boom was always my favorite), and Georganics. And, of course, there’s always the endless treasure hunt that is Amazon.
Toothpaste in Glass Options
If toothpaste tabs aren’t your vibe and you prefer a more traditional paste experience, zero-waste toothpaste in a glass jar might be your perfect match. These options ditch the tube entirely (because, let’s be real, squeezing out that last bit is the worst) and come in a reusable or recyclable jar that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your shelf aesthetic. Brands like Lucky Teeth, Georganics, and Uncle Harry’s lead the charge. As always, the endless options on Amazon. The texture might take some getting used to—think less foamy and more….paste-y.
Toothpaste Powders
Toothpaste powders might be your next zero-waste obsession (right now they are mine). They are lightweight, long-lasting, and pack a serious punch when it comes to cleaning your teeth. All you do is wet your toothbrush, dip it into the powder, and get brushing—no water, no waste, no problem. The texture can take a minute to adjust to (it’s not exactly the creamy foam party you might be familiar with), but once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
I’ve been using Eco-Dent for the last 3 months and am seriously impressed (not by the plastic packaging, but by how clean my teeth are). Brands like Uncle Harry’s, Viva Doria, and even Colgate are other popular choices, offering formulas made with natural ingredients like baking soda, clay, and essential oils. The powders come in recyclable or reusable containers, so you can feel extra smug about your eco-friendly choices while brushing.
Toothpaste in Metal Tubes
If you’re still a fan of traditional toothpaste but want to ditch the plastic, toothpaste in metal tubes is a solid middle ground. These tubes, often made from aluminum, are fully recyclable (as long as you give them a good squeeze-down and clean first) and offer the familiar brushing experience without the plastic-guilt. It’s toothpaste, just…better for the planet.
Brands like Davids have embraced the metal tube trend, offering formulas packed with natural ingredients and none of the questionable stuff. Some even come with metal keys to help you squeeze out every last bit.
DIY Toothpaste
This one I know all too well—I made my own toothpaste for years. Then, I hopped on the toothpaste tablet bandwagon because it was the trendy zero-waste thing to do. Big mistake, for me. Within two years, I ended up with four cavities. I won’t name names (because maybe it just didn’t work for me), but let’s just say I learned my lesson. So, I went back to my trusty DIY toothpaste and, surprise, I was cavity-free for years again.
Now, let’s be real—my DIY paste didn’t give me that stark white smile some people claim it does, but hey, my teeth were clean, and I didn’t wake up feeling like I had a sweater on my tongue. I would just whiten them occasionally. The big downside, and ultimately the reason I recently made the switch to toothpaste powders, was the consistency. DIY toothpaste texture is entirely dependent on the weather. One day it’s perfectly creamy, the next it’s a rock-hard blob—or worse, an oily mess.
If you’re ready to give it a go, here’s the recipe I used:
3 tbsp coconut oil
1.5 tbsp baking soda
20-30 drops of food-grade essential oil
Mix it all together, and there you have it—fair weather toothpaste that gets the job done.
Toothbrushes
Wow, it’s the moment we have all been waiting for and reading through a novel to get to—zero waste toothbrushes. Whether you’re into a manual brush or still holding onto your electric toothbrush, there’s a sustainable choice for every kind of brusher. And as a reminder, please brush your teeth twice a day (at least) for a full two minutes each time—for everyone’s sake.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
The poster child of zero-waste toothbrushes. Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable, grows insanely fast, and really validates your life choices. Bamboo toothbrushes are lightweight, sturdy, and bamboo itself even has natural antibacterial properties. The downside, of course, is that the bristles are typically made of nylon, which isn’t compostable. But some brands offer plant-based or biodegradable bristles (again, this option only makes sense if you have access to compost). Brands like Brush with Bamboo and Mable are so hot right now.
Metal Toothbrushes
Metal toothbrushes are like the cool, sturdy older sibling of bamboo, made of stainless steel and built to last. The idea here is you’ll keep the handle for years, swapping out the brush head when it wears down—usually the brush is made of silicone (which sadly will go to landfill). I use the Singular Care metal toothbrush for traveling and I personally feel like it cleans my teeth better than bamboo.
On a random note, if you are going through TSA with a metal toothbrush, they might stop you because they think it’s a screwdriver. I’m serious—this happened to me…twice.
Sticks (yes, I’m serious)
If you’re the type of person who wants to go full-on caveman with your oral care, there’s always the DIY option. You can use sticks or twigs from trees like miswak or neem that have been used for centuries as natural toothbrushes. They’re biodegradable, effective, and—let’s be honest—kind of cool in a “I’m one with nature” way. Just make sure you’re picking the right tree. Not every stick is suitable for brushing your teeth, no matter how much you might want to pretend it’s an all-natural toothpick. I have never tried this, so don’t take my word on it.
Electric Toothbrushes
Personally, while I love the above options for traveling, if you want the cleanest of clean teeth, I’d stick with electric. And because I feel personally attacked by my now-deceased electric toothbrush, it’s been a real journey trying to figure out what to replace it with, so I’ve been scouring the internet for a suitable upgrade. While electric toothbrushes aren’t exactly zero-waste nirvana, some brands are at least making an effort to be more sustainable. So, here are a few options that I found that aren’t quite zero waste but are definitely sustainable-ish:
SURI—Their Sonic Toothbrush has an aluminum handle (yes, you heard that right, no plastic) and comes with a UV-C LED case that sanitizes your brush while doubling as a travel case. It’s not exactly zero waste, but they’re definitely trying to make it more eco-friendly with recycled materials and a solid design. They also have rave reviews on TrustPilot.
Foreo—Their toothbrushes are made from medical-grade silicone and designed to last a long time, with replaceable brush heads. The downside? They look a lot like vibrators. I can’t unsee it, and now neither can you. Honestly, I don’t want to be thinking about that every time I brush my teeth. And just when I thought it was just the toothbrush, I popped over to their site... turns out, everything they sell kind of looks like a vibrator. Yikes.
Sustainable Tomorrow—This one seems cool. It’s a bamboo toothbrush where all the design materials are compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. Their biodegradable replaceable heads are made from FSC-certified bamboo with castor bean oil bristles, which means technically it can be yard composted within like 6 months.
Bamboo replacement heads—These are a great compromise if you’re not ready to toss your entire electric toothbrush but still want to make a small, eco-friendly change. They mostly fit Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes, so if you already have one of those lying around, you can just swap out the plastic head for a bamboo one. It’s a nice way to feel like you’re doing something good for the planet without having to toss out your trusty electric brush. The heads are biodegradable, so when it’s time to replace them, they won’t just sit around in a landfill forever.
Sidebar: Years ago, I backed a Kickstarter for a mechanical toothbrush (you would turn a crank to get it going)... and then, oddly enough, the entire operation just vanished. Needless to say, I never received that toothbrush.
Conclusion
So, which option am I going with? This is a hard choice, to be honest. Well, not for Foreo—I’m obviously not going with that.
After much debate and some intense toothbrush mourning, SURI’s the one I’m choosing to rebound off of my deceased toothbrush. It was that sleek aluminum handle that really got me, but they also have way more reviews in general. It runs at $92, but for Black Friday it’s down to $69. So stay tuned on how I like it!
As for my old toothbrush? It’s getting the proper send-off into e-waste—because apparently, even toothbrushes deserve a dignified exit.
