Did you know that one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year? Did you know that over 850 million toothbrushes end up in landfills annually? Did you know that nine million tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year? While it may not be possible to completely eliminate plastics from our lives, we can individually reduce their production and replace them with alternatives.

Numerous studies show that plastics, especially microplastics, are present in all environmental compartments, including marine and freshwater systems, soil, water columns, and surface layers.

As a dentist, the production of alternative toothbrushes and toothpaste that both protect your oral health and do not harm the environment is increasing.

There are bamboo toothbrushes available that are made from biodegradable materials. Models prepared based on the basic features sought in manual toothbrushes can be preferred. After trying various bamboo toothbrushes, there are also biodegradable dental floss options available. You can choose one based on the basic criteria of thickness and shape.

As for toothpaste, while they may not be made of plastic, some may contain microplastics to some extent. It's essential to be mindful, especially of those containing microparticles.

Many products with organic certification claim to be cavity-preventing or enamel-strengthening. These can be preferred or used in addition to other toothpaste brands.

However, it's important to remember that all toothpaste should contain fluoride to protect against oral diseases. The protective factor of brushing your teeth comes from the mechanical effect of the brush and the remineralizing effect of fluoride.  Years of research and clinical trials have shown that fluoride use is safe and effective in significantly reducing the risk of cavities.  Ingredients like banana rubbing, coconut oil, or triclosan may contribute to protective factors, but they are not sufficient on their own to fight cavities.