As we celebrate Earth Day Friday, April 22nd, we would like to highlight some of the ways that our dental health practices can help to promote a healthy and sustainable environment. We have compiled a list of quick and easy adjustments to make in your daily routine that will go a long way in helping our Earth
.1. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth If you leave the sink on when you are brushing, you are wasting an average of 10 gallons of water per day. For a family of four, one year of water waste would be enough to fill a 24 foot round swimming pool. While we would all love to have a swimming pool, it would be best to get the pool water from a different source. So take the extra second and turn off the water when it is not being used.
2. Go Digital! Digital x-rays deliver 75-90% less radiation than traditional x-rays while eliminating the need for toxic x-ray fixer solutions and lead foils.
3. Recycle ♲Toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles are both able to be recycled. Beyond recycling, you can also re-use your toothbrush when it has become ready to replace. Instead of throwing the old brush away, use it as a household cleaning tool. The bristles are the perfect size to get in between cracks and other hard to reach places.
4. Save Electricity If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to take it off of the charger and unplug the charger from the wall as soon as it reaches a full charge. Once it is fully charged it will continue to use electricity for no reason. Rather than wasting that electricity, choose to unplug!
Earth Day is celebrated all around the world in various different ways; from planting trees to mass recycling projects. If you do not have the time to participate in a larger project, help to save the Earth with a few quick changes in your morning and evening routines.