At Stono Dental Care, we work hard to educate our patients on the small steps towards sustainability they can take throughout their daily dental routines. From conserving water while brushing to choosing dental products made from sustainable materials to participating in a recycling program, there are many steps you and your family can take towards healthy teeth and a healthier planet.
Turn Off the Tap While Brushing
Did you know that letting the water run continuously while brushing your teeth can waste up to 10 gallons of water each day? Instead of letting this precious natural resource run down the drain, shut it off! The environment and your water bill will thank you. For even more savings, consider filling a cup with water to rinse with after brushing, installing an aerator on your bathroom faucet, or limiting water pressure.
Buy Eco-Friendly Dental Products
If you’re looking to include sustainability in your oral care routine, there are plenty of products on the market that fit the bill. Dr. Andy Game and our team especially like the idea of toothbrushes made from bamboo and natural, biodegradable dental floss made from silk. You should be able to find these online or at your local natural health store.
Recycle What You Can
If you’re anything like the average American, there is a large amount of plastic involved in your oral care routine. From plastic toothbrushes to plastic floss containers to all of the plastic packaging, you unintentionally generate a huge amount of waste. Luckily, there are programs that can recycle used oral care products and keep them out of the landfill. TerraCycle and Colgate have a recycling program that accepts toothpaste tubes and caps, toothpaste cartons and packaging, toothbrushes, and floss containers.
We encourage all of our patients to practice preventive care to protect their teeth—brushing twice daily for two minutes each time, flossing each day, and visiting our office regularly—so why not make a few minor changes to your routine that protect the planet as well? To ask us any questions or to schedule your next visit, call us today!
