Brush Your Teeth Green: Eco-toothpaste

Technically you want to brush your teeth white AND be as green as possible while doing it. Here are some tips about greener toothpaste:

First a fluoride health note:

Because homemade toothpaste or homemade mouthwash won’t have fluoride, you should choose either a homemade paste or rinse but not both so you get your fluoride. OR you can try fluoride drops. Too much fluoride can cause fluoride toxicity or enamel fluorosis in people but too little can be bad for your teeth. Whether or not fluoride is too toxic or even healthy for people is a personal issue for folks that we won’t get into here, but you can read more about this cons of fluoride side of the debate at the Fluoride Action Network. For pros visit the ADA.

Clean & Gentle Care SLS-Free Anticavity plus Dry Mouth Soother Fluoride Toothpaste

Greener toothpaste:

The greenest toothpaste is homemade. You don’t waste as much packaging or hard to squeeze out product, plus it costs less. Learn to make homemade toothpaste.

Most toothpaste comes in tubes or pumps. If you’re going to buy store bought toothpaste your best bet is to purchase the largest tube possible in a non-toxic brand and from an ethical company. THEN recycle the tube when you’re done.

Greener brands of toothpaste:

Toms of Maine: Made with less toxic ingredients, comes in many good flavors, and comes in 100% aluminum tubes (not plastic) that are recyclable in most communities. Toms is also an ethical company with green policies in place. NOTE: while Toms is run a little differently they are currently owned (85%) by Colgate Palmolive, so if that fact bothers you, you’ll need to find another brand. Personally I do still sometimes get Toms of Maine orange toothpaste (I hate mint).

Jason: Many natural flavors available and no animal testing.

Herbal Choice: Various organic gel flavors, not tested on animals, and 100% recyclable packaging.

See Grist’s review of six eco-friendly toothpastes.