Toothpaste is an essential piece of the puzzle for any complete oral care routine, so much so that billions of tubes are made and sold every year across the world. But what happens when those tubes are all used up? For most, they end up tossed into the trash before eventually making their way to the landfill. Great for your teeth, but not so great for the environment.  

What’s the solution for those looking for a more sustainable bathroom cabinet? Say hello to tooth tabs (or toothpaste tablets, as they’re more commonly known).

What Are Tooth Tabs?

Tooth tabs are bite-sized portions of toothpaste, often containing fluoride, with the water removed, compressed into a small tablet. Just place a tablet in your mouth, chew it up, mix with your saliva and there you have it – toothpaste without the plastic waste from a toothpaste tube! Once the tablet foams up, you can just brush normally, though you may need a rinse or two to make sure any grittiness left over from the tablet is removed from your mouth.

In addition to being more environmentally conscious, tooth tabs are also handy if you’re on the go. Their small profile makes them an easy-to-pack alternative to tubes of toothpaste when travelling or camping, with no worry about bringing liquids onto an airplane or any additional waste.  

Are There Any Downsides?

While tooth tabs can be a perfect solution to many common scenarios, they do come with their own set of potential downsides. Make sure to weigh both the pros and cons before you make your decision.  

First, and maybe most obviously, there’s the matter of cost (Winnipeggers love a deal, after all). While you can purchase a tube of toothpaste for a few dollars, a tin of tooth tabs could easily cost over fifteen dollars for a comparable number of brushes. For some, the environmental and convenience benefits outweigh the price difference, but tooth tabs may not be an option for everyone.  

In addition, there have been reports that extended use of tooth tabs could cause an increase in tooth sensitivity, as chewing on tablets can be more abrasive to your enamel than traditional toothpaste. There are also some questions about their overall effectiveness when compared to typical brushing methods. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough published research yet to provide a complete answer about whether toothpaste tablets can stack up to a regular old tube of toothpaste.  

If you’re considering making the swap to tooth tabs, either temporarily or as a more permanent solution, make sure you speak with your dentist first. They’ll be able to determine whether your teeth are a good fit, guide you through the process and maybe even offer some recommendations for their favourite brands.  

Have a question or need to get your next appointment in the calendar? Booking is easy, just use the orange button to the right of this article to schedule your appointment today!