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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 Biters recycle their next toothbrush, we'll keep the weight of three slim dentists in plastic outta landfills.
COCKTAIL FACT
In 2006, the average amount a U.S. kid received from the Tooth Fairy was $2 per tooth, a 22-cent increase from the previous year.
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home › tip library › Recycled Toothbrushes
What's worse than plaque buildup?
The Bite
Plastic buildup - but you can avoid both by choosing a recycled or replaceable-head toothbrush instead of a conventional tooth-scrubber, and brush up on the best options to promote good dental and eco-hygiene.The Benefits
- Environmentally correct brushing. In the United States, 50 mil lb of toothbrushes end up in landfills each year.
- Saving pocket change. Replaceable-head versions can save you some cash, so you can afford a set of 24-carat grills.
- Pearly biters. Plaque is whack - these eco-brushes work as well as the ones from your dentist.
Personally Speaking
Jen's bro Peter is a dentist in Atlanta, and she admits to pilfering the stock of not-so-eco (but free) toothbrushes and floss at his office.Wanna Try?
- Preserve Toothbrush - made from recycled yogurt cups and comes with a postage-paid envelope for recycling; three bristle options. If you're picky about color, you can pick(y) one up at Whole Foods instead ($4).
- Radius Source Toothbrush - has a cool corn and wood fiber handle with replaceable heads ($8).
- Fuchs Ekotec Toothbrush - simple replaceable-head brush that includes three spare heads ($4).
Oct 02,2007
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Old Habits Die Hard
I brush my teeth twice a day without fail - even going camping or getting tipsy can't stop me. But 20 or so years after learning to floss, I'm still not in the habit. When I go to the dentist, he's always like, "You need to start flossing," and I'm like, "I will." But I can never seem to break the habit of not making flossing a habit, even with these consistent, twice-yearly reminders. I haven't gotten any cavities since I was a kid, but am I pushing my luck?
-Toshio...off to not floss...
-Toshio...off to not floss...
Biter Comments...
Hey Toshio - I'm addicted to flossing but I still ended up with the "dreaded gum disease" - so go figure. What did our forefathers use before plastic toothbrushes? And wasn't losing your teeth just part of getting old? I can't help but think dentists are out to make as much $$ as possible on us! I have never had a toothache but yet each time I visit my dentist I end up having a tooth filled or need a root canal even though I brush faithfully and floss all the time - to what avail? More $$ in my dentists pocket! Sorry about the ranting. I am gonna look for an eco-toothbrush this weekend!
I've used the Preserve toothbrushes and I've used the Fuchs Ekotech. My complaint with the Ekotech was that the replaceable head sometimes came off while I was brushing, and I came too close to choking on it several times. The Preserves are excellent toothbrushes, they come in fun colors, and it's a snap to recycle them AND their plastic packaging. And using one sort of offsets my boyfriend's insistence on using an energy-sucking electric toothbrush.
"If 10,000 Biters recycle their next toothbrush, we'll keep the weight of three slim dentists in plastic outta landfills."
I'm new to this listserv but I have a tip. Besides talking about the best thing you can do, talk about the "at least". The Eco-friendly toothbrush for example! great piece, but it might not always be an option. [I'm on vacation, forgot my toothbrush and need something quick...] Does the above quote mean that the normal everyday toothbrush is in fact recyclable at least?
I've used the Radius Source toothbrush for a while. I have the wood-handled one (wife has the flax handle). I like it - it took a little getting used to b/c of the contour grip. My only complaint is that I couldn't find replacement heads anywhere and had to order them online. I bought replacement heads yesterday from EarthyBirthyMomma.com - they have free shipping on all Radius Toothbrushes - free shipping on your entire order. I just happened upon them when price comparing.
http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=16
The Amazon listing for Fuchs Ekotec doesn't mention whether the heads are recyclable. I use Eco-Dent's Terradent replaceable head toothbrush, whose heads can be sent to Recycline for recycling, just the same as Preserve.
Just do it; it takes about a week for humans to make a habit become a routine. If you flossed every morning, or in the evening, you'd be so amazed how gross your teeth smelled (even after brushing) that you would be anxious to floss - for a cleaner mouth. When you floss daily, that smell (decaying stuff becoming plaque) goes away. I'm the world's most undisciplined human being and if I can make flossing a habit, believe me, you sure can.
Does anyone know of a safe, natural, eco-friendly dental floss?
Radius makes a natural floss - http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=6
Natural Silk Floss:
Pure, natural silk has a soft texture with very low abrasion - removes plaque softly and effectively.
the floss is spun in natural beeswax to help sliding through tight spaces.
Cranberry Floss:
coated with pure unsweetened cranberry essence, which is removed during the action of flossing and deposited on the gums to help break up plaque.
the floss is spun in natural beeswax to help sliding through tight spaces.
I had beautiful perfect teeth, for 37 years. So much so,that dentists would comment that they wanted to make copies as dentures for others....
I have never needed fillings, never had a cavity. Just fine.
In eight months, my gums started having bumps, and my teeth , showing gaps in places I never had.
Three different dentists, can't tell me why, but they could put braces on for the rest of my life, if I wanted.
I did some research. Apparently, it's a side effect, from the medicine I'm taking for seizures.
So I wouldn't worry too much about flossing. You can be careful, or not, when it's time for your teeth to fall or, look crazy, it will happen.
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Annie | October 02, 2007 at 05:23 AM