Is It Possible to Have an Eco-Friendly Dental Routine? I Asked a Dentist

*Collaborative Post

As someone who’s always trying to make more sustainable choices for my family, I’ve tackled everything from nappies and toiletries to laundry and lunchboxes. But I’ll admit that I hadn’t given much thought to the dental side of things. Oral care can generate a colossal amount of waste, and there’s a lot more to consider than just which toothpaste to buy.

I reached out to a family dentist in Purley who are thinking deeply about how dentistry can become more eco-conscious, both in their clinic and in the advice they give to families. The team at Foxley Lane Dental shared some simple, achievable ways we can all make our dental care a little greener — at home and beyond.

Can dental care ever be sustainable?

Let’s face it, dental care and sustainability haven’t always gone hand in hand. If you’ve ever looked down at your bathroom bin – plastic toothpaste tubes, floss, empty mouthwash bottles – it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed.

And in the dental clinic itself? PPE, energy-hungry equipment, single-use everything. It can all feel at odds with the eco-conscious lifestyle many of us are trying to lead.

But change is possible.

More patients are now asking their dentists about sustainable swaps, eco-friendly routines, and how to reduce their environmental impact. While clinics still need to meet strict hygiene and safety standards, many are starting to ask the right questions, explore better options, and offer guidance that supports real families trying to make better choices.

The small stuff at home makes a big difference

From toddlers’ toothbrushes to teen-friendly mouthwash, the products we use every day can produce an astonishing amount of waste. Traditional toothpaste tubes are hard to recycle, most brushes are made of plastic, and floss is usually made from nylon and comes in plastic packaging.

The good news? There are some great alternatives out there now, many of which are affordable, easy to use, and family-friendly.

A few popular eco swaps include:

• Bamboo toothbrushes with compostable handles and replaceable heads
  
• Toothpaste tablets or pastes in recyclable metal or glass jars
  
• Vegan, cruelty-free formulas without harsh chemicals
  
• Natural silk or corn fibre floss in refillable glass jars
  
• Mouthwash tablets that dissolve in water
  

Even switching just one item in your family’s routine can be a meaningful first step.

What about fluoride?

Many people wonder if they can use eco-toothpaste without fluoride.

The short answer: it depends.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay – especially important for children and anyone prone to cavities. In many areas of the UK, decay is still common, so fluoride remains an essential part of protection.

That said, if you’re considering a fluoride-free product for personal or environmental reasons, it’s a good idea to have an open conversation with your dental professional. Depending on your age, health and risk level, you may or may not need fluoride – and your dentist should support your decision-making, not judge it.

What’s happening inside clinics?

Dental practices are exploring greener choices behind the scenes – even while operating under strict regulations. Improvements might include:

• Switching to digital records and x-rays to reduce paper
  
• Participating in recycling schemes (where safe and permitted)
  
• Using energy-efficient equipment and LED lighting
  
• Sterilising reusable instrument kits on-site
  
• Choosing environmentally conscious suppliers
  
• Exploring biodegradable packaging and reducing patient travel emissions
  

These steps may seem small, but together they help reduce dentistry’s overall environmental footprint.

How you can help – without the guilt

Life is busy. Some mornings it’s a win just to get the kids’ teeth brushed before the school run. But if you’re keen to make some gentle changes, there are easy wins that don’t require a total lifestyle overhaul.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Bring a reusable water bottle to appointments instead of using plastic rinse cups
  
• Recycle your toothpaste tubes and brush heads via schemes like Terracycle
  
• Ask your dentist about sustainable oral care products
  
• Support local, family-friendly dental practices like one from an emergency dentist in Croydon that are working to reduce their environmental impact
  

Final thoughts

Caring for your teeth and caring for the planet might seem like an unlikely match, but they don’t have to be at odds. Small, thoughtful changes add up – whether it’s a bamboo brush in your bathroom or a greener approach at your local clinic.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something – and if you manage to make just one small change, well, that’s definitely worth smiling about.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.