Incorporating sustainability into assessment of oral health interventions

Br Dent J. 2020 Sep;229(5):310-314. doi: 10.1038/s41415-020-1993-9.

Abstract

Prior to 1966, consumers purchased food items with very little (if any) nutritional labels. Now, nutritional labelling is an integral part of informed consumer choice. This paper advocates for a similar approach for healthcare-related products, using the toothbrush as an example, with the need to quantify and publish data on their clinical efficacy and environmental impact. In this paper, we consider different manufacturing models and measure the environmental impact (carbon footprint) and also the human health impact (disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]) for the most commonly used oral health product: the toothbrush.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Footprint
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Food
  • Food Labeling
  • Humans
  • Oral Health*