Welcome to the natural dental care challenge

We’re so excited you’re making this change to a greener dental routine! We’ve put together a few tips to get you off to the best possible start. To take part, all you need to do is swap at least one item from your usual dental care products for a more sustainable option.

For the first week we’ll concentrate on toothbrushes and toothpaste. Stage two and three of the challenge will include more in depth information about natural mouthwash and interdental care. Here are some suggested swaps:

  • Replace your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo or wooden brush
  • Replace your regular toothpaste with natural toothpaste in a glass jar, tooth-tabs, tooth powder or another plastic-free alternative
  • Swap your floss for a plastic-free or lower plastic option
  • Choose a concentrated mouthwash in a glass bottle, mouthwash tablets or try oil pulling
  • Use interdental brushes with handles made from bamboo or bio-based plastic

What can I do with old plastic toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes?

Reuse old brushes for household cleaning, they’re perfect for scrubbing taps, grout, shoes and bikes. 

Recycle old plastic brushes, floss containers and toothpaste tubes with Terracycle. Follow these links to find schemes in the UK, United States, Germany, or Australia. Some schemes also accept toothbrush heads and interdental brushes, so check what is available in your area.

What can I do with my old bamboo brush?

Reuse around the house for cleaning purposes. Remove the bristles with a pair of pliers, then add to compost, use as a plant-marker, or as kindling. We’d love to see your creative ideas for old brushes – please share a snap in the Ailuna Community!

Can I make my own toothpaste?

Here’s a simple recipe to try if you want to have a go at making your own toothpaste:

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • 1 tbsp bentonite or french green clay

  • 1 tsp xylitol

  • 1 tsp baking soda/bicarbonate of soda

  • 5 drops food-grade peppermint or spearmint essential oil

Mix the dry ingredients, then pour in melted coconut oil and mint essential oil. Stir together thoroughly and pour into a small glass jar. Allow to cool before use and apply to your toothbrush with a small spoon or lolly stick.

Need to use an electric toothbrush?

If you use an electric toothbrush, we encourage you to keep it as long as possible, and choose a return scheme such as Brushd or collect your brush heads to recycle with free schemes such as Terracycle. Use bamboo heads for sonic brushes. When you need to replace it, look for eco-friendly options and make sure to recycle the old handle with electronic waste.

Can’t stand bamboo toothbrushes?

Have you tried a good quality one? It can make all the difference. Humble or Hydrophil are both worth trying out. If you really don’t want wood, don’t worry, there are some other options available. Preserve make fully recycled and recyclable plastic brushes, or find a toothbrush handle with replaceable heads such as Tooth.eco or Colgate Link. 

Now you’ve read through these tips you should be ready to take on the challenge! Head back to the Ailuna app for the next steps.

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