From using energy-efficient light bulbs to buying recycled products, most of us are aware of the small changes we can make to our everyday life which have a big impact on the wellbeing of the environment. Even when it comes to your oral health, there are steps that you and your dentist can make which can reduce the impact on the environment and promote sustainability.
How can I support eco-friendly dental care?
One of the main changes you can make to your dental regime is to swap out your traditional plastic toothbrush and replace it with a more sustainable option. Bamboo toothbrushes are now easily available and not only do they provide a great clean, they are also biodegradable from a sustainably grown product. When buying your bamboo toothbrush, look for a brand which uses organically grown bamboo. You can also purchase biodegradable dental floss and oral health products packaged with recycled material. If you and your family adopt eco-friendly dental care practices, this can really make a difference over a lifetime.
Another eco-responsible way to approach your oral health is to make sure your dentist is employing sustainable practices in their surgery.
What can my dentist do?
Using biodegradable products is an important step dentists can take to reduce their environmental impact and sustainable plastic products, such as hygiene covers, means that once disposed of these plastic items will break down in one to two years rather than hundreds of years. Your dentist can also ensure that any mercury fillings that are removed are disposed of safely without mercury entering the environment.
Within the surgery itself, your dentist can ensure that electricity comes from renewable sources and that steps are taken to become carbon neutral. These may seem like simple steps but small changes can have a big impact on the environment, particularly as these practices become more widespread.
If you’re looking for a dentist who not only offers high quality service but also uses eco-friendly dental care practices, contact Beacon Cove Dental today. You can also visit our sustainability page to find out more about what Beacon Cove Dental are doing to ensure our surgery is green.
