Hidden Water Waste in Your Oral-Care Routine

How much water do we really waste when brushing?

The average Brit uses 152 litres of water per day on everyday activities—including brushing. If you leave the tap running while brushing, that’s 6–12 litres wasted per session. Multiply that by 66 million people brushing twice daily, and we’re talking hundreds of millions of litres flushed down the drain every year.

Why water waste in teeth cleaning matters

Turning the tap on while brushing adds to your water bills—Ofwat estimates it could cost households £30–£40 a year just from brushing waste alone. Environmentally, it increases pressure on UK water supplies, especially during dry spells and heightened sustainability targets.

What’s causing the unnecessary waste?

• Awareness gap: Many of us never learned “water-efficient oral care” habits.

• Normalised habits: Running taps during brushing is habitual, not essential.

• Institutional norms: Even some school tooth‑brushing programmes contribute up to half their environmental impact to water use.

How to reduce water waste while brushing teeth

• Turn off the tap: Wet your brush, then switch off the water while cleaning, and rinse afterwards.

• Use a rinsing cup: Keep a small cup next to the basin to minimise tap use.

• Explore water‑efficient oral‑care options: Think “tooth brushing water usage UK” and discover products like waterless toothpaste or toothpaste tablets, which require no running water during use.

Can toothpaste tablets really help reduce water waste?

Yes. Toothpaste tablets, including GudYu toothpaste tablets, are often waterless toothpaste alternatives. Unlike conventional toothpaste tubes (which also rely on water in production), tabs let you skip the tap during brushing. Rising with water post brushing is also not neccessary, this in fact, removes all the good ingredients that aid enamel restoration and remineralising. Combined with recyclable  packaging, they offer double savings—on water and plastic.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How much water does brushing teeth waste in the UK?
A: Brushing with the tap running uses 6–12 litres per session. With over 66 million people brushing twice daily, that adds up to hundreds of millions of litres of water wasted annually.

Q: What is water‑efficient oral care?
A: Water‑efficient oral care includes habits like turning off the tap while brushing and using a rinsing glass—and products like toothpaste tablets that minimise tap use altogether.

Q: Are toothpaste tablets waterless?
A: Yes—many toothpaste tablets like GudYu (a form of waterless toothpaste) eliminate the need for running water during brushing, helping reduce household water waste.

Q: How do toothpaste tablets help sustainability?
A: GudYu toothpaste tablets cut water waste, reduce plastic tube production, and arrive in recyclable packaging—making them a sustainable oral-care choice in the UK

Takeaway

Small shifts, like turning off the tap while brushing or using waterless toothpaste tabs, can make a big difference. By embracing “reduce water waste brushing teeth” habits, you’ll save water, reduce your environmental footprint, and help the UK meet its water-saving goals.

Did you know? GudYu toothpaste tablets don’t require any water for brushing—just chew and brush! Perfect for cutting water waste at home and a total game-changer for outdoor adventures or travel when running water is limited. 🌿🪥💧 Shop Remineralising & Whitening Toothpaste Tablets Now >