Green Dentists + White Teeth = Green Planet

When most people think of saving the planet, dental health is often left out of the equation, but taking care of your teeth can actually become a very green endeavor. From your own personal oral hygiene to your dentist’s office, you can ensure your teeth make a good impression. For example, science laboratories have to create dentures and tooth implants, and while these things are often necessary and helpful you can still take steps to avoid them. Even the best-laid dental plans can still fail, especially if your teeth are naturally prone to decay, but taking care of your teeth can help you avoid the majority of oral health problems.

Green Dentists

Dental offices have the potential to do either great damage or great good based on how they run their practices. Some dentists have decided to make their offices environmentally friendly in several ways:

  • Use recycled products (or products made from recycled materials) in their offices
  • Purchase reusable dental instruments and equipment that are safe to sterilize rather than replace every time
  • Use biodegradable cups, seat covers, etc.
  • Keep electronic records on patients rather than using scads of paper
  • Communicate with patients electronically through e-mail and text messages
  • Separate amalgam for fillings, which keeps harmful mercury from escaping into the environment
  • Reduce landfill contribution by recycling the office’s waste
  • Locate the office near a bus stop or other public mode of transportation
  • Take digital X-rays rather than using extra plastic, lead and chemicals to develop traditional X-rays
  • Replace fixtures with things like energy-efficient light bulbs and insulated windows.

If this is important to you, choose your dentist wisely, and find out how you can help the environment simply by visiting a green dental practice as well as using all-natural products. It’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth the responsible, healthy way.  I am personally a member of the Eco Dentistry Association and do all I can to utilize green products and green dental techniques, while not jeopardizing my patients quality of care.

Article referenced from The Good Human.

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