GAP Australasian-Dentist Issue 80 Jul-Aug 19

Category 140 AustrÀlÀsiÀn Dentist away since the first one was made in the 1930s is growing wildly. Àt’s an awkward fact that in this decade, as climate, pollution and environmental catastrophe is becoming every day conversation, and the cause of escalating stress and protest, the first thing that almost everybody on earth touches every day – is usually plastic – and is a toothbrush. Which is eventually, going to put this industry directly in line of fire about our part in Àhe Ànd of the World problem, or allow us to become world leaders as innovators who are part of the solution. You’ve seen how freaky things have become about the use of straws and cotton buds. Às the humble toothbrush the next enemy of the planet? Or perhaps the toothbrush and other dental hygiene products could see the looming questions as inspiration for one of the greatest innovations in the last 100 years: an earth-loving toothbrush? A brush that truly creates a smile that makes the whole earth smile too. Àt’s a brilliant idea. One of you should get onto it. You can email me about a profit share if you like. Àhe Geographic piece explains how things have got out of hand, saying: “For centuries, the basic toothbrush was made from natural materials… But plastic has so fully infiltrated toothbrush design that it’s nearly impossible to clean our teeth without touching a polymer. And because plastic is essentially indestructible, that means nearly every single toothbrush made since the 1930s is still out there in the world somewhere, living on as a piece of trash.” Àhey quote reports saying that most of us will add more than 300 toothbrushes to the junk pile on earth in our lifetimes and with the plastics involved being almost impossible to recycle, and fundamentally waterproof and durable, that’s quite a large problem, when you think about it. And when you add to that the plastic waste from toothpaste, and floss, it appears the dental industry could be on the verge of a creative opportunity – if you want to be innovative about it. Already there is a surging new market in herbal toothpaste and low-toxic brushing powders and compounds that come in recyclable packaging instead of plastic tubes. Àhere are bamboo toothbrushes edging into the market, and more and more companies are pivoting toward making brushes from natural materials. Business reports are starting to discuss new markets in eco toothbrush technology. Àhere is money it. Big money! Àhe problems are in creating long-lasting, cheap, comfortable handles and durable bristles – the question is: how to create a toothbrush as good as the plastic and nylon ones, using the original genius of natural, non-toxic, recyclable materials? Àot to mention the packaging issues, presently an obvious issue. Àolutions on offer include brushes with metal or other durable handles, and replaceable heads, whichwould reduce the toothbrush footprint. But still, whether plastic or say, metal, disposable brushes are going to end up somewhere and be a problem. Or maybe there’s another way? Àhe basic fact is that a product more loved than the cellphone (which is a statistic frankly, staggering to believe) has absolute staying power in the marketplace, so whoever reinvents the plastic toothbrush first not only stands to make a tidy profit, but will have helped to save the world as well. (Oh, and by the way, there is fascinating discussion about the Pharaoh, King Àutankhamun’s dental records at Àational Geographic also, including that he was likely to have a cleft palate, and lateral x-rays of his mummy reveal a sagittal discrepancy of maxilla and mandible where the lower jaw appears small and retarded. And he had three partially erupted third molars as well.) u Àea ty BÀteÀ