Toothpaste was first invented by the Egyptians (an ash made from burned pumice, eggshells and other ingredients). Even today there is an African ‘toothpaste tree’ that some people use to brighten their smile. The first commercial brand (Colgate) indeed did sell in glass jars, before contributing to mountains of plastic waste later on (and animal testing, only stopped as the law told them to). Plastic tubes became popular at the turn of the century and fluoride was introduced to some brands in the 50s.
Floe is a new brand made up of dentists, engineers and scientists, which does things differently. You can buy their papaya-whitening toothpaste in Holland & Barratt (sold in sugar-cane tubes with prepaid recycling labels). Or subscribe online (the kits contain biodegradable floss with regular dental consultations, then just buy refills every 3 months). If you can fit other dental waste (toothpaste tubes, brushes, floss) in the box, they’ll recycle those too.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Never use brands with xylitol (a birch sweetener) if you live with or around pets (even licking a tiny amount from around your mouth or sink could be lethal – also found in sugar-free gum and baked goods (there should be warnings).
The brand you choose can depend on your wants and needs. Some dentists swear fluoride is needed to help strengthen tooth enamel, while holistic dentists say not eating sugar (or drinking diet sodas) is key to good oral health, and that fluoride (which is often just recycled from industry) is not needed and can cause mottled teeth and other issues (even swallowing a tiny amount can kill a child).
Most commercial brands use foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulphate, which is why you’ll find natural toothpastes don’t foam, although they clean your teeth just as well. Used in conjunction with good dental care, toothpaste does not have to be complicated. Dentists say to gauge the correct amount of pressure to brush your teeth (150g to 200g), press your toothbrush on a set of scales.
chewable mint or strawberry toothpaste tabs
Denttabs are chewable tablets in mint or strawberry flavour, sweetened with stevia. Sold in industrial compostable packaging (just bin to break down at the council heap), these were created by a mechanic who founded a dental lab with two brothers in Berlin. The company does not use palm oil direct, but are presently looking for active proof or sourcing alternatives to two ingredients. Good for braces, they recommend brushing twice in a row the first time (the second time, your saliva will be lighter)
toothpaste tabs in refillable storage tins
NOWA offers toothpaste tablets, made with a natural mineral found in bones. Sold in storage tins with compostable refills. Sweetened with sorbitol and flavoured with mint, there are versions with or without fluoride. The founder worked with experts to launch the brand, after a toothpaste cap washed up by her feet, when playing with her son at a Spanish beach. 50% of profits are given to charity.
This company also makes vegan dental floss and pop-up disclosing tablets (vegan and in zero waste packaging – red is new plaque and blue is older plaque). Do not swallow. Only for children over 12 (supervised), keep away from young children and pets. Keep away from clothes and furnishings.
zero waste (vegan) toothpaste in glass jars
Georganics mineral toothpastes (code AWIN15 for 15% discount) are also available as powder and tablets (add to water). Sold in glass pots with bamboo spatulas, flavours are mint, orange, tea tree, spearmint (sensitive) and charcoal (whitening). With coconut oil, kaolin clay, shea butter and essential oils. If used, keep their gum well away from pets (contains xylitol).
natural toothpastes in easy-to-recycle tubes
Green People makes vegan toothpastes with aloe vera, olive leaf and myrrh resin (sold in mint, fennel or citrus flavours, plus children’s versions in spearmint or mandarin). Unlike most toothpastes thare are plastic embedded with aluminium (impossible to recycle), this company has created a partly recycled plastic tube that is easy to recycle at the kerbside, as it’s aluminium-free (mixing materials is what causes problems (like Pringles – cardboard, metal and aluminium).
Happier Toothpaste is sold in aluminium tubes (with a squeeze key you can also use for hand creams and tomato puree!) It blends a natural mineral found in bones with papaya enzymes for gentle whitening. Sweetened with stevia, at end of use just remove the cap (recycle with plastic waste) and pop the tub in the metals recycling bin. Upcircle plastic-free tube squeezer is another option.
where to recycle plastic toothpaste tubes
Terracycle offers a free recycling scheme (sponsored by industry) at local drop-off points to recycle into pallets, recycling bins, park benches, pens and playground materials. But of course it’s best to avoid selling new plastic tubes in the first place.