Toothpaste Tablets vs Regular Toothpaste: Which is GREENER?

Brushing the teeth is our most costliest day-to-day life activity. Perhaps, Regular toothpaste makes more costly for you as well as the planet (in terms of pollution).

As we are going forward in future, we are adapting more renewable resources. And the choice is mandatory not optional for us to survival.

Toothpaste tablet is the part of that green movement. In 2007, researchers introduced it seeing the growing plastic pollution from toothpaste tubes. Since then, it’s the most modern solution to the age-old issue.

Now, why should you scare about Regular toothpaste?

Mark Hall (Business Waste spokesman) quoted, “10% of toothpaste tablets actually remains when you think it’s empty. Manufacturers do this on purpose to force you to buy another one sooner.”^[1]

Moreover, regular toothpaste pollutes – and so much that its damage is irreversible! Most toothpaste tube comes with plastic (outside) + aluminum (inside) packaging. Though the aluminum is recyclable, the plastic (outside) is the subject of our concern.

With that single plastic tube, every year globally 1.5 billion tonnes of plastic tubes are going into the landfills. It takes whopping 500 years just to decompose those plastics. ^[2][3]

Forget about the pollution, for most brands, separating this plastic and aluminum not possible at all.

Moreover, these plastics aren’t just limited to the landfills. It further flows into oceans via water bodies (river). So, eventually it’s causing pollution in both air and water.

What is Toothpaste tablets?

Toothpaste tablets are small, chewable and oral hygiene tablets. It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative solution of traditional toothpaste.

That one key difference: Toothpaste tablets Vs Regular toothpaste

Both effectively clean your teeth and contains almost same ingredients. But their environmental impact is different.

Regular toothpaste or toothpaste tubes are made from non-renewable sources. Means, it heavily relies on fossil fuels for the plastic production. Eventually, it causes GHGs (Green House Gases) effect along with other air pollution.

On the other hand, toothpaste tablets come in refillable glass jars or biodegradable plastic packaging. Both way they are sustainable and eco-friendly.

What is it made of?

Toothpaste tablets are like regular toothpaste, just without water. It is derived from Xylitol (a natural sweetener that fights against bacteria.

It is mainly made of these three ingredients: Sodium carbonate (baking soda), Calcium carbonate and Hydrated silica.

Additionally, it may contains:

• Fluoride – to fight against cavities
• Hydroxyapatite – for enamel protection
• Xylitol – to reduce bacterial growth
• Essential oil and Mint – for refreshing breath

How to use it?

• Pop out one tablet in your mouth (You can take half or more than one depending on your preference or doctor’s advice)
• Chew either with saliva in your mouth or a few sip of water.
• Continue until it turns into paste like texture.
• Brush your teeth as you usually do.
• That’s it!

For whom these tablets are?

• Eco-conscious: Having recyclable and biodegradable nature, excellent for Eco-conscious people.
• Frequent travelers: Very compact in size and convenient for the people on the go like in planes, camping, vacation etc. Meanwhile, regular toothpaste always have the chance to spill out in the bag at anytime. Truly, it can ruin your day.
• Resource-efficient individual: Preservatives in the toothpaste tubes required to avoid microbial growth. In contrast, tablets doesn’t need it as it contains almost zero water. Zero water leaves zero microbial growth.
•  Minimalists: Perfect for busy life or minimalist lifestyle for its tiny size.

What makes toothpaste tablet better and greener than regular toothpaste?

1. Throughout the production process, mostly toothpaste tablets are made without water. Eventually, it saves water and the need of preservatives for longer shelf life.
2. Ideal for traveling as they don’t count as liquids.
3. Toothpaste tablet is pre-measured. Means, every time you get the perfect amount unlike the tubes.
4. Pilled up with natural ingredients and free from harmful chemicals.

Toothpaste tablets Vs Regular toothpaste: Differences in brief

Pros of Toothpaste Tablets

• Eco friendly and plastic free: Toothpaste tubes are notoriously difficult to recycle. It contributes millions of non-biodegradable plastics in soil. While, tablets come in glass jar or biodegradable plastic, there’s no chance of pollution.
• Travel friendly: Being in solid and small tablet form, it’s great for traveling. You don’t need to worry about being messy in the bag unlike with regular toothpaste tube. You also don’t have to face liquid restrictions by airport authorities.
• Precise dosage and less wastage: It comes in pre-measured small tablet form. That means, same amount and same dosage every day. On contrary, regular toothpaste needed squeezing the right amount of toothpaste/liquid. It’s often either you squeeze more or less than the requirement.
• Non-toxic and safe: Toothpaste tablets are free of harsh chemicals such as artificial flavors, parabens, sulfates and synthetic colors.^[4] Basically, it contains natural ingredients which makes completely safe for all.
• Long shelf life: As we said earlier, it contains almost no water. No water means no need of preservatives, and so, it has longer shelf life.
• Personal Hygiene: We share the same toothpaste tip with others toothbrush. Most people don’t even realize this hidden hygiene issue in the regular toothpaste. Toothpaste tablets doesn’t require this kind of sharing. 100% Personal hygiene protection.

Cons of Toothpaste Tablets

• High initial cost, not for budget shoppers: Being new in the market, it is comparatively costlier than the regular toothpaste. But if you buy refilling packets for the glass jars, the cost cuts down significantly.
• Adjustment time period for different textures and tastes: During brushing, foam is less comparatively than the regular one. This is mainly due to the no presence of harmful chemicals like additives or preservatives. It makes many people feel weird for different textures.
• Not for limited jaw strength people: Toothpaste tablets require chewing in the mouth to make paste from the solid. Unfortunately, this transition becomes the problem for limited jaw strength or dexterity people.

Conclusion

To sum up, support brands those align with sustainable goals to make the earth greener, safe and better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Why are toothpaste tablets cleaner than regular toothpaste?

Ans: Because regular toothpaste creates mess due to the squeezing of the liquid/paste. While, tablets doesn’t.

2) What are the environmental benefits of Toothpaste tablets?

Ans: Eco-friendly packaging, compact size, less to no water usage reduces carbon footprint significantly.

3) How do toothpaste tablets ensures zero waste lifestyle?

Ans: Everything is used. Glass jar is used for refilling tablets. Biodegradable packaging used for quick decompose without leaving any harmful effects in soil or water.

4) Are toothpaste tablets as effective and fresh as the regular one?

Ans: Yes, both contains the same ingredients. Due to natural mint and herbal extracts, it retains its freshness very well.

5) Are toothpaste tablets economical than traditional toothpaste?

Ans: Initial cost is higher but as you consider refilling it, the cost decreases. In addition, considering its minimal waste and eco-friendly nature, it’s worth choosing.

6) Are toothpaste tablets safe for kids?

Ans: Yes, as it contains natural ingredients.

7) How can I use toothpaste tablets for longer period of time?

Ans: Use any air tight seal packed container. Or, avoid moisture in the jar having the tablets.

8) Can toothpaste tablets help in oral sensitivity?

Ans: Yes, because of the presence of hydroxyapatite. It remineralizes enamel and soothes sensitive nerves.

9) What are the latest research and developments in toothpaste tablets?

Ans: i) Probiotic formulation – to support microbial health

ii) Activated charcoal – for teeth whitening

iii) Fluoride-free – for natural ingredients lover.

10) Do toothpaste tablets comes in different flavors?
Ans: Classic mint, coconut, cinnamon are some.