South African develops first-ever toothpaste in tablet form
It's as simple as putting one or two tablets in your mouth, chewing it and brushing with a toothbrush.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Dan van Zyl, founder and CEO of Earthly Toothpaste.
Toothpaste has been re-invented.
A South African company called Earthly Toothpaste has developed what is believed to be a world first - toothpaste in tablet form.
Tablet toothpaste is thought to be revolutionary because it has a number of advantages, especially for people who are visually impaired, children and the elderly with poor hand coordination - it's also great for travellers because it won't spill and it's convenient to cart around.
There is also no battle to squeeze out that last nurdle of toothpaste or empty tubes which are mostly unrecyclable.
"Billions of toothpaste tubes end up in landfills every year, these tubes are made from microplastics which are a massive problem for the environment so these tablets were created to be convenient and good for the environment."
Dan van Zyl, CEO - Earthly Toothpaste
How does it work?
Van Zyl says the tablet could be manufactured because they removed the water from toothpaste, "kept all the good ingredients and put the dry ingredients in tablet form."
It's as simple as putting one or two in your mouth, chewing it and brushing with a toothbrush.
The saliva in your mouth will add hydration to the tablet which will foam up as you brush.
There are five variants to choose from; herbal, charcoal, fluoride, non-fluoride and a version for kids.
Earthly Toothpaste variants. Image: supplied @CapeTalk
How much is it?
While regular toothpaste ranges between R20 and R60, Earthly Toothpaste retails between R30 (for 30 tablets) and R60 (for 60 tablets).
"On average, we're about 10 to 15 percent less expensive per brush than traditional toothpaste."
Dan van Zyl, CEO - Earthly Toothpaste
Where to purchase?
Get Earthly Toothpaste products on their website, Spar, Checkers, Dis-Chem, Takealot, Faithful to Nature or Wellness Warehouse.