There has been a growing shift towards people using more environmentally friendly products, however high quality environmentally friendly dental care has historically been more difficult to find. With 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes ending up in landfill each year, more people are searching for toothpaste tube alternatives which protect our planet. Currently, the best solution for disposing of your plastic toothpaste tubes are schemes like TerraCycle. However, the key environmental problem is plastic, and with only a small percentage of plastic being recycled, plastic free toothpaste is becoming more and more popular.
Toothpaste tablets such as those by Tongue’s have been designed by dentists containing all the important ingredients necessary to protect your oral health and our planet. They also exclude all the unnecessary and environmentally damaging ingredients. Tongue’s toothpaste tablet pouches are home compostable and help reduce your plastic footprint.
Toothpaste tablets are essentially a dehydrated form of traditional tubed toothpaste, without the unnecessary water. To use a toothpaste tablet, you simply pop a tablet into your mouth, chew the tablet for approximately 5 seconds and brush your teeth as normal with a moistened toothbrush. You can use either a manual or electric toothbrush with your toothpaste tablets. The toothpaste tablet will break down into a paste like traditional toothpaste. Toothpaste tablets are the zero-waste, plastic-free and sustainable solution compared to traditional plastic toothpaste tubes.
The debate between fluoride-containing and fluoride-free toothpaste tablets continues to exist. In reality, the correct concentration fluoride toothpaste is necessary to protect your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and is found in water in some areas. Evidence from extensive studies suggests that fluoride is safe in the small doses found in toothpaste and unanimously recommended by dentists. It is the only ingredient that strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay, whilst fighting bacteria.
There are many reasons why Tongue’s chose to exclude sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) from their toothpaste tablets. One of the major problems with sodium lauryl sulfate is its derivation from palm oil. Palm oil is a huge environmental problem and a major contributor to deforestation. Since 1973, 16,000 square miles of rainforest in Borneo, have been logged, burned, and bulldozed to allow the production of palm oil. This deforestation is catastrophic for our wildlife. Plus, sodium lauryl sulfate is also a common allergen and irritant of gums.
Tongue’s toothpaste tablets are made in the United Kingdom, and as toothpaste tablets are water-free, they have the advantage of being easier to transport with a lower carbon footprint. The pre-portioned size means you will get a steady and even amount of paste every time you brush your teeth.
Traditional plastic toothpaste tubes take over 500 years to decompose. Therefore, toothpaste tablets are an excellent way to reduce your plastic usage. Tongue’s toothpaste tablets are also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, plastic-free, palm oil-free, and sodium lauryl sulfate free. The right toothpaste tablet can protect our planet without any compromise to your oral health.
You can visit www.tonguesclub.com or follow us on Instagram @tongues.club for more information on toothpaste tablets and other eco-friendly dental products.
