What are Toothpaste Tablets?

Toothpaste tablets — or "tooth tabs" to be more accurate — take your traditional paste, remove the water, and press it into a little pill-like . If you normally squeeze a toothpaste tube twice a day, it might take time to get used to a tablet, but the directions are pretty simple:

1. Place one tablet in your mouth.
2. Gently chew the tablet and mix with your saliva to form a paste.
3. Wet your toothbrush and brush for two minutes.

It might take an extra rinse or two to remove any leftover grittiness but your mouth will be fresh and clean just as if you used regular toothpaste. Perform this process at least twice a day for optimal oral health.

If you want a more sustainable bathroom cabinet, toothpaste tablets could help your cause! Here are a few benefits of toothpaste tablets:

• Environmentally-friendly packaging. Most tablets come in glass or tin containers that are easy to reuse or recycle. Some even come in compostable pouches. All of which help you to reduce the amount of plastic in your home.
• Convenient traveling. Forget about purchasing travel-size toothpaste tubes. Toothpaste tablets are TSA-friendly, so you can bring them along in your carry-on. Plus, they conveniently pack into your work bag or gym duffel for any time you need a quick brush.
• Natural ingredients. Many toothpaste tablet brands prioritize natural ingredients, so you're less likely to find preservatives or parabens. There's also a plethora of gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free options to match your lifestyle. Curious about how tooth tab ingredients compare to your current toothpaste? Check out these common toothpaste ingredients.
• Some tabs contain fluoride. With a few exceptions, there are toothpaste tablets in the market that contain fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth against cavities, so double-check the ingredients before you brush. Be sure to read the label to ensure you are getting that key ingredient!

If you choose sustainability, you might have to make some trade-offs. Take these points into consideration before you make the switch to tooth tabs.

• Lack of research. Not a lot of research has been conducted to compare the effectiveness of toothpaste tablets to traditional toothpaste. Talk to your dental professional before transitioning to tabs so they can voice any concerns and monitor your oral health.
• Cost. While you can't put a price on helping the environment, you might want to know that toothpaste tablets come at a premium — so it can cost around $30 for a four-month supply of tabs. You can compare that to $3-6 for a 6 oz tube of toothpaste that can last four months or even longer.

So should you use toothpaste tablets? The choice is up to you! Determine your priorities, and then talk to your dental professional about what's best for your oral health. If you think plastic-free is the way to be, then tooth tabs might work for you!

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.