Traditional toothpaste tubes made of plastic, aluminum and other non-recyclable materials have been filling landfills for years, leading consumers to consider more sustainable options for cleaning their teeth. Enter: toothpaste tablets.

They are chewable, mint-sized tablets typically stored in reusable jars or recyclable packaging. The tablets are made from a toothpaste formula without the water — allowing it to be pressed into a pill-like form.

Toothpaste tablets have a similar ingredient base as traditional toothpaste from a tube, just without the water. Most commonly they’re derived from ingredients like xylitol (a natural sweetener that fights bacteria), calcium carbonate and sodium carbonate (baking soda).

It’s important to note that not all toothpaste tablets are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or American Dental Association (ADA) as a cavity-preventing product. So, when looking for a toothpaste tablet, make sure to look for toothpaste tablets that contain fluoride — the key ingredient to keeping your smile healthy.

Place a toothpaste tablet in your mouth and begin chewing. You can let your saliva naturally break it down into a paste or give it a boost with a sip of water. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from dry mouth.

Once it’s broken down into a paste-like texture, brush using a wet toothbrush for two minutes as you normally would. Rinse, and done!

Because they can be formulated without water, toothpaste tablets can be made with little to no preservatives whatsoever — a key factor for those looking to make the all-natural switch.

You can find toothpaste tablets online and in most drugstores. They’re a travel-friendly option for when you’re on an airplane or camping outdoors without running water.

Look for tablets that come in packaging that tightly closes to lock out moisture to lengthen their shelf life after opening.

Leave toothpaste-making to the professionals — making your own DIY toothpaste means you’re missing out on the important benefits of teethstrengthening fluoride.

Toothpaste tablets are much more “hardy” than traditional toothpaste. So, if they accidentally get left in the car after a summer grocery run, no need to worry about coming back to a melted mess.

Our verdict: Toothpaste with fluoride is key to preventing cavities and keeping your smile healthy and clean. Talk to your dentist before switching to a toothpaste tablet to make sure it contains enough fluoride to properly fight cavities. If your major interest is in making a more eco-friendly, sustainable switch, consider swapping your plastic tube for a glass jar.