Toothpaste Tablets vs Regular Toothpaste: The Winner?

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

As we move forward to the future, we are adopting more renewable resources. And the choice is mandatory, not optional, for us to survive.

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

Even if you choose the perfect toothpaste for yourself, choose one that’s “Good for the Environment” too.

Now, why should you be scared of Regular toothpaste?

Mark Hall (Business Waste spokesman) quoted, “10% of toothpaste tablets actually remain 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 a whopping 500 years just to decompose those plastics.^[2][3]

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

Moreover, these plastics aren’t just limited to the landfills. It further flows into oceans via water bodies (rivers). So, eventually, it’s causing pollution in both air and water. This is why zero-waste toothpaste rising.

What are 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 contain almost the 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 plastic production. Eventually, it causes the GHG (Greenhouse Gases) effect along with other air pollution.

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

You should know what type of toothpaste you are using. Biodegradable vs Sustainable Toothpaste: Which one is Greener?

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 contain:

• 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 sips of water.
• Continue until it turns into a paste-like texture.
• Brush your teeth as you usually do.
• That’s it!

This is why you shouldn’t dry clothes at indoor. Is Sun Drying better than Indoor Drying?

For whom are these tablets?

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

Hey! are you social media addicted? In every few minutes, you desire to scroll it? These 4 powerful habits were so effective for me to overcome social media addiction!

What makes a 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 a longer shelf life.
2. Ideal for traveling as they don’t count as liquids.
3. A toothpaste tablet is pre-measured. Meaning, 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 to the soil. While tablets come in glass jars or biodegradable plastic, there’s no chance of pollution.
• Travel-friendly: Being in a solid and small tablet form, it’s great for traveling. You don’t need to worry about being messy in the bag, unlike with a 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. Means, the same amount and dosage every day. On the contrary, regular toothpaste needs to be squeezed to 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 it 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 a longer shelf life.
• Personal Hygiene: We share the same toothpaste tip with others’ toothbrushes. Most people don’t even realize this hidden hygiene issue in the regular toothpaste. Toothpaste tablets don’t require this kind of sharing. 100% Personal hygiene protection.

Along with oral hygiene, you also should know what food you’re consuming. Artificial Food Additive: Its dirty secrets in Processed and Fast Food

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, the foam is less compared to the regular one. This is mainly due to the absence of harmful chemicals like additives or preservatives. It makes many people feel weird about different textures.
• Not for limited jaw strength: Toothpaste tablets require chewing in the mouth to make paste from the solid. Unfortunately, this transition becomes a problem for limited jaw strength or dexterity.

One important thing I forget to tell you. You can never be healthy without these two things!

Conclusion

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Why are toothpaste tablets cleaner than regular toothpaste?

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

2) What are the environmental benefits of Toothpaste tablets?

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

3) How do toothpaste tablets ensure a zero-waste lifestyle?

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

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

Ans: Yes, both contain 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 a longer period of time?

Ans: Use any air-tight seal-packed container. Alternatively, avoid exposing the tablets to moisture in the jar.

8) Can toothpaste tablets help with 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 lovers.

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

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