If you’ve wondered why we should keep buying Toothpaste in a plastic tube instead of having plastic-free toothpaste in your house, then you’ve come to the right place!
I personally never really thought about the waste of toothpaste, but when becoming familiar with the Zero Waste movement I realized that this is an easy switch to make.
Zero Waste Toothpaste is easily doable with DIY homemade zero waste toothpaste recipes as well as buying it from reputable Zero Waste Toothpaste Brands.
Around 1.5 Billion toothpaste tubes get thrown away every year. So, it’s pretty obvious that conventional toothpaste contributes to the plastic crisis, but you might not realize how toxic the ingredients can be.
I was shocked when I found out how many chemicals are squeezed into conventional toothpaste tubes. One of the many reasons my canker sores were appearing so frequently! Even when you spit your toothpaste into the sink, many of those toxic ingredients are absorbed into your body through the mouth. And that’s not to mention the pollution they cause to the natural environment!
When I discovered that most conventional toothpastes are tested on animals, my mind was made up. I decided I would shift to zero waste toothpaste straight away, but it needed to be non-toxic and cruelty-free as well!
So if you’re looking for a toothpaste that doesn’t pollute the earth, uses dodgy ingredients, or promotes animal cruelty, this article should help you out. I’ll give you some recommendations of decent zero waste toothpastes on the market, as well as some recipes so you can make your own.
If you go the Zero Waste Toothpaste DIY route you will inevitably avoid a lot of the bad packaging! I applaud you for that! Plus your wallet will love you for it as well!
I know that going zero waste can seem overwhelming at first, but just keep doing your best to make small changes every day. These good intentions soon add up, and before you know it, you’ll be contributing to a better world for animals, people, and the planet.
Here is a list of some of the best zero waste toothpastes on the market.
I organized them by toothpaste type rather than order of preference, so you can skip to the kind you prefer. And if you aren’t sure whether tablets, powders, or pastes would be best for you, there’s a short section at the end of the list that will help you out!
Tablets/Tabs
1. Bite Toothpaste Bits
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Bite toothpaste bits are vegan, zero waste toothpaste tablets that will naturally whiten your teeth. Personally, I prefer the freshness of mint-flavored tablets, but you could also choose the berry twist flavor or the one with activated charcoal if you find minty toothpaste too sharp.
You can sign up for a subscription so you never end up running out. Your toothpaste tablets will arrive in a glass bottle and compostable packaging, using existing postal routes to minimize the carbon footprint of the postage.
When you receive your refills, you will only receive a small 100% home compostable pouch with the tablets inside!
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Bite is a woman-owned business, founded by Lindsay McCormick. She is a passionate environmentalist and actively speaks out against the greenwashing coming from a lot of bigger companies.
Lindsay frequently reminds her customers that the best thing you can buy for the planet is nothing at all, which I find so refreshing.
Pros
- No Baking Soda
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Helps with tooth sensitivity
- Remineralizes Tooth Enamel
- Subscription Service
- Zero Waste Packaging
Cons
- Not Leaping Bunny Certified
AVAILABLE ON
2. Etee Zero Waste Chewpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Etee Zero Waste Chewpaste contains Canadian glacial clay, which can help loosen and neutralize bacteria in your mouth. It also has Kaolin clay which naturally whitens teeth, and natural mint and vanilla flavorings.
Just like Bite toothpaste bits, the Etee chewpaste is vegan and free from harsh chemicals. You can also sign up for a subscription service to make the product more affordable.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
All of Etee’s products are made with 100% natural and biodegradable materials. You won’t find any plastic inside the products or the packaging.
Etee says that they want zero waste products to be available to all people, in all places. You can try the product risk-free since they have a generous 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee!
Pros
- Vegan
- No Baking Soda
- Zero Waste
- 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Made in Canada
Cons
- Not Leaping Bunny Certified
- Not 100% Vegan Company (Some products include honey)
AVAILABLE ON
3. Kaylaan Toothpaste Tabs
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Kaylaan toothpaste tabs are more affordable than most toothpaste tablets, and the user reviews are extremely positive.
They have a ton of funky flavors from cinnamon to strawberry, watermelon, and even licorice but they also have the traditional mint. Once you’ve bought the tin you can then resort to only buying the refills. And if you can’t decide which flavor to go for, you can get a duo flavor packet until you make up your mind.
What’s great about this brand is that the tablets are leaping bunny certified, so you can rest assured that no animal testing has been involved at any point to make this toothpaste.
The Kaylaan toothpaste tabs don’t have any toxic chemicals in them, including fluoride. (More on fluoride later, so you can make the best decision for you!) They are delivered in refillable tins and compostable packaging.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Kaylaan is a woman-founded company, started by Deepti Lubin in her New York apartment. ‘Kaylaan’ is a Nepalese greeting, used to wish somebody good health.
Their products are far more affordable than many eco-friendly products, with their toothpaste tablets actually costing less than conventional toothpaste that you can buy in a store.
Pros
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Vegan
- Affordable
- Zero Waste
- Free from Toxic Chemicals
Cons
- No Subscription Service
AVAILABLE ON
4. Scent Cerae Tooth Nibs
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Tooth nibs are softer than most toothpaste tablets. They are organic, zero waste, and plastic-free. Flavors include Cinnamon Roll, Pina Colada, and Mint Chip. They are delicious, but you’ll have to resist swallowing them!
They don’t look white like most other bites but have the colors of the corresponding flavor which makes them earthy looking in my opinion!
After chewing them, you just brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush, then spit and rinse. The Scent Cerae tooth products are more affordable than most but not as cheap as the Kaylaan tabs.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Scent Cerae is yet another woman-founded business! Sherae was inspired to start up this zero waste company when she lived as an expat in Asia for 7 years and found it difficult to get hold of non-toxic, plastic-free products.
So she decided to take things into her own hands and create products that work with her sensitive skin and teeth. Not only are the products zero waste, but so is the lab where the tooth nibs are made.
Pros
- Zero Waste Product (and laboratory!)
- Compostable Packaging
- Organic, Non-toxic Ingredients
- Tastes Great
Cons
- No Leaping Bunny Certification
- Not a 100% Vegan Company (Some products have beeswax)
AVAILABLE ON
5. Unpaste Toothtabs with Fluoride
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
There’s a lot of contention about whether Fluoride is essential for tooth health or yet another toxic ingredient. I’ll get into that in more detail later on, but what’s nice about the Unpasted Toothtabs is you can choose the Fluoride or No-Fluoride option, depending on your preference.
These zero waste toothpaste tablets are vegan and certified cruelty-free by PETA. The ingredients are not abrasive, but they will still polish your teeth, which helps prevent bacteria from building up. (Plus polished teeth look nice and shiny!)
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Unpaste is a German company, but you can get their toothpaste tablets all over the world. The toothpaste tablets are certified by BDIH, which means an independent agency has tested them to ensure the product and packaging are as natural and eco-friendly as it claims to be.
Pros
- PETA Cruelty-Free Certified
- Vegan
- Removes Stains and leaves teeth Shiny
- Zero Waste
- Fluoride and Fluoride-Free Options
Cons
- Made in Germany (American consumers might prefer to support a local company)
AVAILABLE ON
6. Dental Crush Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Dental Crush Tablets are another great option for people that prefer to brush their teeth with Fluoride.
They don’t have a subscription service, but you can buy packets of 120, so you’ll only need to order them every couple of months. The minty flavor is nice and light and the tablets are cruelty-free and vegan.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Naked Company was founded by Ellie Lowe. She was working in pharmaceutical research and couldn’t stand how many toxic chemicals were being squeezed into our toothpaste tubes.
Naked plants a tree every single day to offset their carbon footprint. The padded envelopes that the tablets are sent in are not recyclable because the company thinks that sending glass involves too much packaging and creates a larger carbon footprint.
Based in Prague, this would be a great company to order from if you live in Europe. You can also get the products shipped around the world, but that will contribute to more shipping emissions.
Pros
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Great Option for Europeans
- Tree Planting Partnership
- Non-Toxic Ingredients
Cons
- Not Zero Waste (but lower waste than conventional toothpaste)
- No Leaping Bunny Certification
AVAILABLE ON
Powders & Pastes
7. Simply Sooney
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Simply Sooney tooth powder is organic, vegan, and completely natural. You won’t find any weird chemicals or toxins inside this powder, and the ingredients are all sourced in America.
The powder goes a long way, so a 100g bag can last you for 6 months! The paper packaging is zero waste, but I’d recommend you pour it into a glass jar once it arrives to keep it nice and dry in the long term.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Simply Sooney was founded by Cynthia. She is a tri-racial native Texan woman who founded the company after getting out of an abusive marriage.
She is a passionate advocate for kids’ mental health and a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community. Simply Sooney is a particularly well-liked tooth powder brand, with thousands of positive reviews online.
Pros
- Zero-waste
- Vegan
- Natural Ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Non-abrasive and non-toxic
Cons
- No cruelty-free certification
AVAILABLE ON
8. Treat Yourself Powder
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Treat Yourself Powder would be a really nice gift for a friend that’s setting out on the zero waste journey. (Or a gift to yourself, by all means!)
The activated coconut charcoal helps naturally whiten teeth and the essential oils all have their own unique benefits. The Frankincense and Myrhh is a particularly luxurious flavor.
They also have citrus, peppermint eucalyptus, and spearmint.
Despite the lovely packaging and organic ingredients, the powder is still really affordable when compared to toothpaste tablets.
It’s worth mentioning that the glass jar does have a plastic lid, but you can get refills sent in compostable packaging, so the product is still zero waste. And if you feel disheartened when you see the packing peanuts, it’s good to know that they are plant-based and totally dissolve in water.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Treat Yourself was set up by two childhood best friends. (They are both women, I’m seeing a pattern here!) The company uses herbs and essential oils in its products, including cannabis oil in some cases.
They put a big emphasis on natural healing and replacing toxic chemicals with plant power. For example, their tooth powder includes clove which helps reduce pain and sensitivity in teeth.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-Toxic
- Responsible packaging
Cons
- No cruelty-free certification
- Plastic jar lid
- Some essentials oil not suitable for pregnant women or young children
AVAILABLE ON
9. Butter Me Up Organics Toothpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
If you want to start being kinder to the planet but you worry about tooth staining, the Butter Me Up Organics Charcoal toothpaste might be the best choice for you.
Lots of customers report that their teeth are visibly whiter after a single-use because the coconut skin charcoal is great for whitening and drawing out toxins. There’s also a Whitening tooth powder without charcoal if brushing your teeth with black toothpaste feels just too weird!
You should know that this toothpaste tastes pretty salty because sea salt and baking soda are included to help remineralize teeth. Some people find this leaves their mouth feeling extra fresh, but others can’t get on board with a salty aftertaste. You’ve been warned!
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Butter Me Up Organics was founded by Jillian Haddad. She started out making vegan and organic skincare products for herself and her close family members.
But as more and more friends started asking for her recipes, she decided to meet the demand for non-toxic, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly skincare products. Over a decade later, Jillian is still making her family recipes in small batches and selling them online.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Plastic-Free Packaging
- Organic
- Great for whitening
Cons
- Salty taste
- No cruelty-free certification
AVAILABLE ON
10. BALM! Baby Kids Toothpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
The BALM! Baby Kids Toothpaste tastes of sweet oranges, which is a lot more palatable for little mouths than the strong and salty flavors that some zero waste toothpaste has. But it also has a mint flavor option.
This product is vegan and completely natural.
It’s safe to swallow, so you don’t have to worry if your children haven’t quite got the knack of spitting their toothpaste out. The BALM! Baby Toothpaste only has a handful of ingredients and it’s not expensive, so you don’t have to pay extra for caring about the planet or your kid’s health!
ABOUT THE COMPANY
BALM! Baby is a vegan and organic brand that creates products for mums and babies. The products are created by husband and wife team Dominic and Malena, who struggled to find zero waste and non-toxic products for their baby boys.
What I love about this company is they can customize every order to your needs. So if you are allergic to anything, don’t hesitate to contact them and see what they can do for you!
Pros
- Vegan
- Plastic-free
- Safe to swallow
- Sweet citrus taste
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- No Cruelty-Free Certification
AVAILABLE ON
11. Uncle Harry’s Organic Toothpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Uncle Harry’s Organic Toothpaste is vegan, non-toxic, and Fluoride-free. It helps to naturally whiten your teeth, without triggering sensitivity.
All the ingredients are organic and minimally processed, with clay, eucalyptus, mustard seeds, and oregano essential oils all making an appearance.
The only flavor available is spearmint so if you are not a fan of that, you will find other great options on this list.
User reviews are generally very positive, but recently the packaging has changed and a few people have reported rust gathering on the underside of the metal lid. Considering clay absorbs heavy metals, this could be a safety issue, so do watch out for that!
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Uncle Harry’s was set up by a man called Harry. (Who would have guessed?!) He had a lot of problems with gum infections and tooth pain, so he created a toothpaste using essential oils and herbs to try and support better health for his mouth. His grown children run the business now.
Pros
- Vegan
- Organic Ingredients
- Non-toxic
- Zero-waste
- Supports gum health
Cons
- Some problems with rust on lid
- No Cruelty-Free Certification
AVAILABLE ON
12. Nelson Naturals Zero Waste Toothpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Nelson Naturals Toothpaste is vegan and zero waste, but it isn’t organic. It contains over 73 different minerals from Salt Lake City and can be really helpful in reducing tooth sensitivity.
The most popular Nelson Naturals Toothpaste is the Citrus Spice Blend, but the flavor isn’t for everyone! If you prefer a minty toothpaste, you’d probably be better off with the spearmint.
The toothpaste might become slightly drier over time as no gelling agents were used to bulk out the product. All you have to do is add a few drops of water and give your toothpaste a stir, and the problem should be resolved.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Nelson Naturals is based in Nelson BC, Canada, which is also where the products are made. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and you can get your jars refilled at zero waste stores throughout the USA and Canada.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Helps with sensitivity
- Packed with minerals
Cons
- No Cruelty-Free Certification
- Not Organic
AVAILABLE ON
13. Georganics
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
The Geoorganics Tooth Powder is flavored with English peppermint, spearmint, or activated charcoal. It’s free from toxic chemicals, zero waste, and vegan.
The powder comes in a whitening and stain-remove blend with magnesium and sodium bicarbonate or you can choose the natural mineral-rich toothpaste which has no foaming agent and is done with coconut oil. But be warned – most people will not like the feeling of it since it’s similar to the homemade versions and then what’s the point of buying?
Georganics also do some nice toothpaste tablets, which you might prefer for traveling.
Unlike a lot of the options on this list, it’s actually got cruelty-free certification. This means you can 100% trust that none of the ingredients have ever been tested on animals, anywhere in the world.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Georganics is a vegan and organic company that focuses entirely on dental care. You can choose to plant a tree at the checkout, and the company will match every tree you donate with another.
This company is based in the UK, so it’d be a great choice for British readers that don’t want to have products shipped from far-flung places.
Pros
- egan
- Cruelty-Free-Certification
- Organic
- Zero-waste
- Non-toxic
- Tree Planting Option
Cons
- Based in UK (not the best for USA readers)
AVAILABLE ON
Tube
14. Davids Toothpaste
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Davids Toothpaste is the only non-toxic and vegan option that comes in a metal tube and will give you the feel of regular toothpaste when using.
Since it is metal, it comes with a metal key that you can use to push out the toothpaste. Once you’re finished, you cut open the tube to wash it and then put it in your metal recycling.
Users are overwhelmingly positive about the formula itself, but many people find the toothpaste shoots out from the tube too powerfully and makes a mess as soon as you take off the lid. So it’s a good choice, but go easy on that tube key!
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Davids Natural Toothpaste is a USA-based company. 98% of their ingredients come from the USA too. To help minimize waste, you can choose not to have a tube key included when you’re ordering again. Alternatively, you can send back 20 tube keys and they will send you a free tube.
Pros
- Recyclable
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Tube is convenient
- Non-toxic
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Metal tubes can split and leak
- No Cruelty-free certification
- Plastic tube lid
AVAILABLE ON
What is Zero Waste Toothpaste and Why Would You Need It?
Of course the reason most of you will probably want to know more about Zero Waste Toothpaste is due to your desire to eliminate waste!
If toothpaste is zero waste, it means that nothing is going to end up in the landfill. It might come in paper packaging which can be composted or glass packaging that can be infinitely recycled. Plastic packaging isn’t considered zero waste because we can only recycle it a finite number of times.
It also takes a lot of energy and water to recycle plastic, and a lot of what we put in the recycling bin ends up getting dumped in poorer countries or ends up in the ocean.
Benefits of Zero Waste Toothpaste
If you want to find out more about going Zero Waste in general, this article is a great start!
Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients to Avoid
Before we dive into all of the different Zero Waste Toothpaste alternatives, I want to pull back to see why someone would want to go with a natural non-toxic zero waste Toothpaste instead of the traditional type that is bought in a store.
For a long time, I have had trouble inside my mouth with canker sores. When I bite my cheek accidentally, a lot of the time it will turn into a painful canker sore that I have to deal with for weeks at a time.
When doing a bunch of research on it I finally found that while many people do not know where it comes from, the toothpaste you use can have a monumental effect on canker sores.
So I started looking for natural toothpastes with less toxic ingredients! The number one ingredient I was trying to avoid was Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is often called SLS and it is a foaming agent that is used in detergent which agitates the gums and therefore can cause ulcers and canker sores.
I have switched away from toothpastes with SLS and I’ve barely had any canker sores! When researching this topic further, I found all the more reasons to switch to natural toothpaste. These are all the ingredients you want to make sure to avoid:
SLS or SLES
This is the culprit that gave me my canker sores and I had no idea!
Called sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate are unnecessary chemicals to give you the foaming effect of toothpaste. They also interfere with your taste buds by enhancing bitter taste, that is why after brushing your teeth with these ingredients things taste so bad.
The manufacturing process also creates carcinogenic compounds that are released into the environment which has toxic effects on marine life. The manufacturers actually tried to petition to have it approved as a pesticide for organic farming but it was denied because of the environmental pollution that would be caused by using it.
ASPARTAME & SACCHARIN
Artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame and Saccharin are on the list of additives to avoid by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Read the section about Aspartame in the book Skinny Bitch and your mind will be blown!
This ingredient was pushed through the FDA several times and denied before it was approved through questionable tactics. You’ll want to avoid aspartame every chance you get and toothpaste is an easy one to do that with!
TRICLOSAN
This chemical has been linked to antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption. This kind of disruption can cause all kinds of various cancers, including breast, prostate, ovarian and testicular cancer.
Triclosan was banned in Minnesota in 2016 in soap, but it is still widely included in other beauty care products such as toothpaste. Toothpaste appears to be one of the worst carriers for the chemical.
A study had found that people who brushed their teeth with toothpaste including Triclosan ended up having more than five times as much triclosan in their urine as those who did not.6
FLUORIDE
Yes, I know! Fluoride! You probably didn’t expect to see this one on the list. I mean let’s face it, we probably all grew up going to the dentist every 6 months and getting our regular cleaning followed by a fluoride paste. At least that’s how it was for me!
Fluoride is supposed to help your teeth become stronger and protect them against cavities. But when you do a bit of research on Fluoride, you quickly come to find out that it’s not all it is made out to be.
The first thing you will notice is the warning label that is required by the FDA since 1997 when you buy a fluoride-containing product! It says: “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”
So yes, even small amounts of fluoride can cause acute toxicity, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and headaches in its earliest stages so make sure to especially keep this away from small children since they tend to swallow a lot of the toothpaste they are using!
And interestingly enough, there is not enough fluoride in over-the-counter toothpastes to actually remineralize your teeth, since the FDA regulation prohibits it due to its negative side effects.
And if you actually look at the layer of fluoride that would be added to your teeth, it is so thin that it is quickly eliminated by simple chewing.
Also, in order for topical applications of fluoride to be effective, it needs to be put on the teeth after brushing so that the biofilm is removed and fluoride can be absorbed. Therefore the benefit is heavily outweighed by the risks of fluoride.
Plus when 70 percent of the country’s water supply has added fluoride, suddenly we are dealing with a potential overdose that can wreak havoc with enzymes, and produces a number of serious adverse health effects.
A great natural alternative that is just as effective as fluoride, or perhaps even more (depending on the study) would be chewing on cacao nibs or very dark (90%+) chocolate.
In fact, toothpaste that contains the naturally-occurring cacao extract theobromine better repaired and re-mineralized exposed dentin (the tissue that makes up the bulk of your teeth below the enamel) than fluoride toothpaste, according to one study.
DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)
DEA is found in many foaming products such as toothpaste. It’s a known hormone disruptor and is ranked by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as a number 10 (most toxic score) due to high concerns of organ system toxicity, along with moderate cancer risk. The California Environmental Protection Agency lists DEA as a possible human carcinogen.
Different Types of Zero Waste Toothpaste
There are four kinds of Zero Waste Toothpaste. If you aren’t sure which type is the best for you and your family, this next section should resolve any of your questions!
Toothpaste in a Glass Jar
Unlike plastic, glass is infinitely recyclable. You can also reuse it for all sorts of home projects like cooking or candle making. If it does end up in a landfill, the glass will slowly break down into sand rather than releasing microplastics into the soil and water.
Not only is it zero waste, but toothpaste in a glass jar is generally cheaper than tablets and metal tubes. Some people might not like the idea of dipping their toothbrushes into a jar, especially if they are sharing it with other people.
You could use a small metal spoon to transfer toothpaste if that bothered you.
The drawback of a glass tube is that it can break if you are traveling with it. If your jar has a metal lid, you might have problems with rust that causes you to waste some of the product.
Zero Waste Toothpaste Tablets
Toothpaste tablets are much less messy than all the other kinds of zero waste toothpaste. All you have to do is chew a tablet, brush, then spit and rinse.
They are great for traveling as they are lightweight and liquid-free. (This also makes them cheaper to send, and no plastic is required to stop your package from leaking!)
However, the texture is a little chalky which some people don’t like. They also tend to be more expensive than the other types of zero waste toothpaste.
Zero Waste Toothpaste Powder
Just like with toothpaste in a jar, you have to dip your toothbrush in toothpaste powder. As it’s dry, you need to dampen your toothbrush first to help the powder stick.
Toothpaste powder goes a long way, and just 100g can last you for 6 months. This means that packaging and postage are reduced, which saves you money as well as reducing pressure on the environment.
Some people don’t like the taste or texture of the powder though, so it comes down to personal preference.
Toothpaste in a Metal Tube
Toothpaste in a metal tube has a texture and appearance which is similar to conventional toothpaste. This makes it a great choice for people with family members who resist the zero waste transformation going on at a home!
You can recycle the metal tube, but you do have to cut it open and clean it first. A drawback of this packaging is it can get small splits and tears over time, which means your toothpaste could leak everywhere.
It can also be difficult to squeeze out the right amount because the product wants to catapult outside of the tube under just a little pressure!
Dentist Recommended Plastic-Free Toothpaste
I have noticed that some zero waste toothpaste brands mention that they are “dentist recommended” on their website. The more I dug into this, the less substance the claim seemed to have.
There isn’t a regulatory body to certify whether something really is recommended by dentists. And even if it’s true that a dentist does like the product, we can’t know if that recommendation was impartial without an independent certification.
So while it’s true that some dentists might care about the planet and recommend a zero waste toothpaste, the label “dentist recommended” doesn’t really mean anything. You’d be better off talking to your own dentist if you have any doubts! (To be fair, the same goes for conventional toothpaste.)
DIY Zero Waste Toothpaste – How to Make Toothpaste Yourself
There are many ways to make your own DIY Homemade Toothpaste, but the most common ones are with Coconut Oil and Baking Soda.
Please bear in mind that in order to make your own toothpaste you do have to buy the ingredients. Preferably in bulk but I know I had trouble finding some of these so I had to resort to online shopping or other natural health food stores to get these ingredients.
So it is not 100% Zero Waste, but the ingredients last so long and you can make many toothpastes out of it that it does significantly reduce your plastic waste.
Just remember that you cannot live without any impact, but we can all try to reduce it as much as possible, plus having the power to KNOW and CHOSE what ingredients are inside a toothpaste is POWERFUL!!!
You can store them in a little glass container. I would say use it up within 3 months otherwise it can get icky if it stands around too long (like 6 months plus).
Let’s explore the 3 Recipes that I have tried so far!
If looking for a 4th idea on a homemade toothpaste with calcium carbonate powder check out our FAQ section!
1. Zero Waste Homemade Toothpaste with Baking Soda & Coconut Oil
The first time I made my own toothpaste was with this recipe! Man, I must say it does take a lot to get used to! It doesn’t foam, didn’t taste good, and overall had a weird consistency…it was very salty and I just personally didn’t like the baking soda….BUT some people like the simplicity of it, so here is the recipe I used the first time around!
✦ 3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
✦ 1 1/2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
✦ 10-12 Drops of Essential Oils if you like (I have tried Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Oil) – please only use food-grade Essential Oils in your toothpaste
You mix it all together and put it in a glass container and voila – you’ve got your toothpaste!
2. Zero Waste Homemade Toothpaste with Bentonite Clay
The second recipe I tried and so far my favorite was done with Clay!!
✦ 1/4 Cup Bentonite Clay
✦ 3/4 Cup Boiled Water
✦ 1/4 Tsp. Real Salt
✦ 10-12 Drops of Essential Oils if you like (I have tried Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Oil) – please make sure you only use Essential Oils that are allowed to be in your mouth – do your research beforehand
✦ Add Xylitol to sweeten to your liking
Make sure to use a wooden spoon or porcelain measuring spoon for clay because metal will deactivate it!
Mix it all up together and stir until it becomes a mass – put it in a glass container and it will last for at least a month if not longer. I personally liked the consistency and the taste of this one so much better than the previous one. Please also make sure to buy xylitol made from birchwood!
3. Zero Waste Homemade Toothpaste with Coconut Oil and Clay
The last recipe I had tried was a combination of both of the above! I know that Coconut Oil has great properties for teeth cleaning so I thought – why not add them all together and see what happens?
So for this recipe, I used the following ingredients:
✦ 1/4 Cup Bentonite Clay
✦ 3/4 Cup Boiled Water
✦ 1/4 Tsp. Real Salt
✦ 10-12 Drops of Essential Oils if you like (I have tried Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Oil) – please make sure you only use Essential Oils that are food-grade – do your research beforehand
✦ 3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
✦ Xylitol to sweeten to your liking
This recipe was not bad, but I still liked the second one best. Again make sure to buy xylitol made from birchwood. You can check if you can get it in one of your local stores package free in bulk.
Zero Waste Bathroom
If you’re feeling inspired to make more positive changes in your bathroom, there are a few more things you might want to replace. Here is a great starter kit if you don’t want to get all these items individually.
ZERO WASTE TOOTHBRUSH
Globally, we get through around 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes a year and 80% of them end up in the Ocean. So shifting to a bamboo toothbrush can make a huge difference to the amount of plastic that ends up in the oceans.
You can get bamboo toothbrushes with natural or plastic bristles. You might not want to go for natural bristles because they can encourage bacterial growth and get smelly.
Not something you want to put back in your mouth! You’d still reduce a lot of plastic if you choose a toothbrush with a wooden handle.
Some natural bristles are also made from animal hairs, so be careful about that. You can get plant-based bristles though, they just need a really thorough rinse to prevent bacterial buildup. You need to keep your wooden toothbrush in an airy place and wipe it dry after use to prevent moisture and mold problems.
ZERO WASTE FLOSS
Most dental floss is made of plastic these days, but you can get floss made from cotton or silk thread. You could also consider getting a water flosser.
My Dad absolutely loves his water flosser gadget, but I wasn’t too impressed when I tried one myself. Sometimes the simple way really is the best!
ZERO WASTE MOUTHWASH
You can get zero waste mouthwash in a tablet or liquid form in a glass bottle. With the tablets, you just pop one into a little water and let it dissolve, then use it as normal.
But you could also try replacing your mouth wash with oil pulling and scraping your tongue with a copper scraper.
With oil pulling, you put a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil) in your mouth and swish it around for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out (into the garbage so it does not clog your drain) and brush your teeth as normal. Oil pulling will not whiten your teeth, but it can help break down bacteria and plaque.
Zero Waste Toothpaste FAQ
Do Dentists Recommend Toothpaste Tablets?
It really depends on the individual product, patient, and dentist. If you have any doubts or concerns about your oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to speak to your dentist. The brushing process is more important than the actual toothpaste chosen, so there’s no reason why toothpaste tablets should cause you any harm.
Is There a Zero Waste Toothpaste with Fluoride?
Yes, you can get zero waste toothpaste with Fluoride such as the Unpaste toothpaste tablets.
Is Fluoride Free Toothpaste Good?
There is no debate that fluoride is toxic to humans at a high level. But there is debate about whether the level found in toothpaste is high enough to cause harm.
As more research emerges showing the danger that Fluoride poses to human health, some people like to avoid it altogether. Others believe that it is an important tool in protecting our teeth from cavities. Read our section on Fluoride for further information.
Is Baking Soda too abrasive for sensitive teeth?
Baking Soda can be abrasive if used daily if you have sensitive teeth. You have to watch out that your enamel won’t erode. If that is you, you may want to choose a different toothpaste that does not include baking soda.
The best solution would be to use calcium carbonate, a chalky powder. It has been used in traditional Thai tooth powders in the past.
When buying calcium carbonate you have to look for the food grade version though. This is my favorite one from Heiltropfen and this is also available if you prefer this company. It’s far less abrasive but still works well.
You can mix it with a bit of salt and drops of peppermint oil. You could also add fresh herbs and xylitol for sweetness. Just make sure you are buying the xylitol made from birchwood.
Is Zero Waste Toothpaste Safe?
Yes, zero waste toothpaste can be perfectly safe. I don’t want to make any sweeping statements about every single brand, because that would be irresponsible. But generally speaking, zero waste toothpaste tends to use far fewer toxic ingredients than conventional toothpaste.
Is Xylitol Toxic for Dogs?
Yes. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth. It is harmless to people, but highly toxic to dogs. You must keep toothpaste containing Xylitol away from your four-legged pals, as it could kill them. If you think your dog might have consumed some Xylitol, call your vet immediately.
Can you make Zero Waste Toothpaste with Fluoride?
I don’t recommend that you attempt to make toothpaste with Fluoride. It can be very dangerous to get the dosage of Fluoride wrong, so you’re better off leaving it to the experts. (And to be honest, even they might be getting it wrong!)
CONCLUSION
There are so many brilliant zero waste toothpastes on the market right now.
If you’re looking for a toothpaste tablet, I highly recommend the Bite Toothpaste Bits. Alternatively, you could get toothpaste in a glass jar like Uncle Harry’s Organic Toothpaste.
If you find the idea of chewing a tablet or dipping your toothbrush in a communal jar too weird, then you should probably just go for Davids Toothpaste in a metal tube. It’s the closest you’re going to get to a conventional tube without all the plastic, but you might find that the tube tears over time.
And if you’re feeling creative, there’s no reason why you can’t make your own zero waste toothpaste and save yourself some money. Please let me know how you get on with the recipes that I shared in this article!
I hope you found this article helpful please comment and share it and thank you so much for joining the zero-waste movement. Together, we can turn this world around for the better!
