We’ve come a long way from a quick brush with a bog standard toothpaste twice a day – today’s oral care must-haves include eco friendly toothpaste, charcoal brushes and the latest toothpaste tabs, which not only work for when you are travelling but when you want to do your bit to save the planet, too.

Cosmetic dentists and practitioners are even getting in on the act, with some truly innovative, environmentally friendly and even futuristic offerings in this over saturated market.

So what should you be using now to keep your oral health in check? We take a look at what’s on offer.

PARLA PRO Toothpaste Tabs 

It is forecast* that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. It’s a depressing thought, but thanks to its toothpaste tablets, PARLA has eliminated over 107,000 toothpaste tubes from landfill and the ocean; the plastic in those tubes takes between 500-700 years to dissolve. So if you haven’t discovered PARLA PRO toothpaste tabs and are concerned about the planet, now’s the time to get onboard. Co-founded by Cosmetic Dentist and EV Expert Dr Rhona Eskander at Chelsea Dental Clinic, the vegan tabs contain fluoride, vitamins E & B12 and 0 per cent plastic. Along with strengthening enamel, they can also help lessen the sensation of sensitivity and are perfect for travelling.

*Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Weleda Oral Care 

This much-loved organic brand has just relaunched its oral care range – consisting of five toothpastes and a mouthwash, the dentist-recommended range is free from harsh ingredients such as detergents, bleaches, foam boosters, synthetic fragrances and triclosan. Toothpastes include Ratanhia Mouthwash and Ratanhia Toothpaste – Weleda’s original toothpaste from 1923; Plant Gel Toothpaste which was originally introduced in 1933, and 70’s baby Salt Toothpaste, a cult classic containing natural sodium bicarbonate – a tube is apparently sold every six seconds.

Hello Charcoal Infused Toothbrush 

Tried and tested by the EV editorial team, this chic-looking manual toothbrush by forward-thinking brand Hello flaunts a comfy BPA-free ergonomic handle which is made from plant-based materials. The super soft and gentle black bristles are infused with activated charcoal derived from sustainable bamboo, and are precisely tapered to clean between tight spots with ease.

Icy Bear

For a megawatt smile, cosmetic dentist and reality TV star Dr Hanna Kinsella’s Icy Bear dental duo will get your knashers gleaming. Icy Bear Whitening Toothbrush uses advanced sonic technology to provide a powerful cleaning action that helps to keep teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque, as well as effective stain removal which helps brighten teeth and restore them to their natural whiteness. To complement the toothbrush, Diamond Dust Whitening Toothpaste contains a precious ingredient combination providing total care for daily use and for prolonging the effects of whitening treatments.
 

Waterpik Cordless Advanced

Clincally proven to be more effective than dental floss, Waterpik water flossers can remove up to 99.9 per cent of plaque to keep gums healthy. “Waterpik water flossers are fab!” says Dr Rhona. "Based on a water irrigation system, they help clean deep below the gum line.” Ideal for use in the shower, when travelling or in small spaces, the Cordless Advanced features a four hour magnetic charging system, a waterproof design and ultra quiet operation. It comes complete with four tips, three pressure settings, 360 degree tip rotation and a travel bag.

At the dentist…

Now available at the Chelsea Dental Clinic, Waterlase iPlus is the first laser for teeth and gums which has been engineered to provide a refreshing, comfortable patient experience when compared to traditional tools such as needles, drills and scalpels that can prompt anxiety in some people. This long overdue technology is a considerably gentler, less invasive option that’s sure to be a dental surgery game-changer.