We brush our teeth every day, using toothbrushes and toothpaste. But most of these daily-use items are made of plastic. Because we use them so frequently, it makes sense to switch to sustainable alternatives.
This article introduces eco-friendly oral care products such as plastic-free toothbrushes and natural toothpaste that you can buy in Japan. We’ll also cover how to make your own toothpaste and mouthwash at home.
Why Oral Care Often Creates Plastic Waste
Toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss, and other essentials are often made of plastic. Most toothbrushes are entirely plastic, while floss is typically nylon or polyester. Tongue cleaners are usually disposable plastic, too.
Toothpastes may contain fluoride and artificial colorings, which some say could negatively affect your health. While the quantities are small, many toothpaste products also use microplastics in their scrubbing agents, which contributes to environmental pollution.
Fortunately, plastic-free dental products are becoming more widely available. It’s a great way to begin a zero-waste lifestyle.
Plastic-Free and Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes
German-Made Bamboo Toothbrush with Colorful Handles
This toothbrush from German brand Hydrophil features castor oil-based BPA-free nylon bristles. The bamboo handle comes in cute colors.
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FSC-Certified Sustainable Bamboo Toothbrush
This toothbrush has a compact 1.9 cm head and BPA-free bristles. It’s ideal for those who prefer smaller heads and is made from FSC-certified bamboo.
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Bamboo Toothbrushes with Adjustable Hardness
Choose between soft or medium bristles and two head sizes (1.7cm or 2cm). The bamboo handles are sanitized with ultrasonic and UV treatment.
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Great Value 10-Pack Bamboo Toothbrush Set
A cost-effective set with simple design. Comes with soft bristles gentle on gums — perfect for family use.
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100% Natural Japanese Handmade Toothbrush
Made entirely from natural materials. The handle uses repurposed beechwood scraps from furniture making, and natural bristles are finished with perilla oil. The angled bristles and small head clean effectively.
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Bamboo Toothbrush for Adults and Kids
Colorful and BPA-free, these medium-bristle brushes come in both adult and child sizes.
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Sustainable Toothpastes
Natural Herbal Toothpaste
From Hydrophil, a German dental brand, made with natural herbs.
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Cute and Gift-Ready Toothpaste
Free from fluoride, parabens, and artificial sweeteners. Its cute packaging makes it perfect as a gift.
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Plastic-Free Eco Toothpaste
Paste is stored in a reusable glass jar. Free from fluoride, foaming agents, and surfactants. Uses natural abrasives.
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Made-in-Japan Natural Toothpaste
Uses powdered oyster shells from Hiroshima as a natural abrasive. A little goes a long way, making it cost-effective.
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Salt Toothpaste with Natural Ingredients
Weleda’s natural salt formula cleans your teeth effectively. Made with organic and natural ingredients.
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Salt Toothpaste
他の種類もあります↓
Calendula
Herbal
Plant-based
Kids
Charcoal Toothpaste for Whitening
Free of fluoride, artificial fragrances, and microbeads. Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth naturally.
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Certified Organic Toothpaste
ECOCERT and Vegan-certified. Made with 99% natural ingredients and packaged in eco-designed tubes.
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Natural Organic Toothpaste
Contains 96.3% organic ingredients. Environmentally friendly and offers whitening benefits.
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Melvita Toothpaste
99% organic ingredients. Certified by a French organic agency. Vegan and cruelty-free.
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Plastic-Free, All-Natural Toothpaste
No fluoride, dyes, or preservatives. Comes in 6 flavors like mint and charcoal. Plastic-free packaging.
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Fair Trade Natural Toothpaste
100% natural ingredients, with cavity and whitening benefits. Uses fair-trade raw materials and is vegan-certified.
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Free of Synthetic Preservatives and Dyes
Removes plaque and reduces gum inflammation. Vegan-certified and free from artificial preservatives or colors.
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Perfect for Sensitive Gums
Made with certified organic ingredients, and free from synthetic abrasives or fluoride.
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Biodegradable Dental Floss
Plastic-Free Silk Floss
Made from natural silk and packaged without plastic. Scented versions use organic coconut oil and erythritol, though the floss itself may be nylon.
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Organic Cotton and Bamboo Floss Picks
Hydrophil’s floss picks use organic cotton thread and bamboo sticks.
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Water-Based Floss Alternatives
Water Flossers for Daily Use
These devices clean between teeth with water jets. Only the nozzle needs replacement every 3 months — far less waste than traditional floss.
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Cordless Water Flossers for Travel
USB-chargeable and compact, with four adjustable water pressure levels — perfect for travel.
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Natural Mouthwash Options
Sage-Scented Mouthwash
Freshens breath with natural sage extract.
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Organic Xylitol Mouthwash
Made from corn-derived xylitol and manuka. Contains 97.6% organic ingredients.
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Herbal Mouthwash with Gentle Formula
Weleda’s herbal mouthwash gently cleans the mouth using natural extracts.
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Weleda Official Site
Mist-Type Travel Mouthwash
100% natural ingredients — safe even if accidentally swallowed. Ideal for on-the-go use.
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Sustainable Tongue Cleaners
Plant-Based Tongue Brush
Made from bamboo and plant-based nylon. BPA-free.
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Copper Tongue Scraper
Used in Ayurveda. Reusable and washable — very sustainable.
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Pure Titanium Tongue Scraper (Made in Japan)
Produced in Tsubame, Niigata, a town known for its metalwork since the Edo period.
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How to Make Your Own Toothpaste
Many people start their zero-waste journey by making toothpaste at home — it’s easy and reduces waste.
Ingredients:
- White kaolin clay
- Vegetable glycerin or coconut oil
- Essential oils (e.g. mint)
Instructions:
Mix equal parts white kaolin and glycerin or coconut oil. Adjust until it forms a paste.
White kaolin has antibacterial and whitening effects. Coconut oil has antibacterial benefits and strengthens gums.
Since this recipe doesn’t use preservatives, make small batches and use quickly. Baking soda is sometimes used, but it may be too abrasive for daily use.
Buy the ingredients here
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How to Make Natural Mouthwash
Ingredients
- Food-grade baking soda
- Mint essential oil
Instructions:
Dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in 100ml of boiled water. Add a few drops of essential oil.
Baking soda has antibacterial properties. However, because of its salt content, it’s not ideal for kids or those limiting sodium intake.
Buy the ingredients
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Ready to Start Eco-Friendly Oral Care?
Brushing your teeth is something you do every day — so why not make it eco-friendly?
Sustainable products may be a bit pricey, but making your own can reduce costs.
Try switching to eco-conscious oral care today and make a positive impact on your health and the planet.
