Conserve water

Remember, you should not leave the tap running for the two-minutes that you are brushing your teeth.

You also don’t rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth.  You should just spit out the excess toothpaste, this means that the fluoride in the toothpaste is left on your teeth for longer.

According to UNICEF, turning off the water while brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day can save up to eight gallons of water per day—almost 3,000 gallons a year!

All of that water quickly adds up so such a minor change can make an enormous difference.

Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes may not be the greenest choice, however if an electric toothbrush is what you choose to use, there are a few tweaks you can make to help. When looking for the most environmentally friendly electric toothbrush, search for one with:

• durable and eco-friendly materials
• sustainable packaging you can recycle.
• a long-lasting charge.
• a timer so that you don’t use more energy than necessary.
• a company with a recycling program or ambitious sustainability goals

Timers can also really help your dental health by making sure you are brushing for long enough to clean your teeth – whether you are using an electric toothbrush or a manual.

If you are using a manual toothbrush, try to find one which can be recycled more easily and made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. Less energy will then be needed to dispose of it.

A lot of stores, local pharmacies and even dental practices might have recycle points on their premises. Some may even offer a discount on products of you bring in the old one. Saving money and doing right by being greener.