Frequently Asked Questions
Most Popular Questions
Do you make a fluoride free toothpaste?
We do not. Our founder, Laura, is an oral health therapist and could not in good conscience promote or sell a fluoride free toothpaste, based on the current scientific research available 😊 Learn more here.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe?
Yes, when used the right way. In New Zealand, toothpaste with fluoride is regulated to make sure it’s at a safe level for both kids and adults. All standard or supermarket toothpastes are limited to a maximum of 1500ppm (parts per million) fluoride. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t eat toothpaste like food, but using a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush twice a day is completely safe. Even if you have kids that can’t or won’t spit after brushing. Learn more here.
How do you use a toothpaste tablet?
Pop a toothpaste tab in your mouth, chew it gently, and then brush your teeth as normal for two minutes. Your saliva causes the tablet to transform into toothpaste.
How do you use toothpaste in a jar?
Use a spatula or the end of a teaspoon to scoop out a pea sized amount, apply it to your toothbrush, and brush as normal. Our toothpaste scoop is the easiest and best way to scoop toothpaste.
Do you have a toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
Yes! Solid Sensitive Toothpaste is specially formulated to gently clean and care for sensitive teeth. Also need extra protection from decay? Solid Extra Protection Sensitive toothpaste covers both these dental bases.
Toothpaste in a Jar
How should I store my toothpaste?
Store it upright in your bathroom – but make sure you keep the lid closed. Your toothpaste has less than 5% water – though its ingredients are hygroscopic. This means they’re very good at pulling water from the air into your toothpaste. Keep the lid closed to keep your toothpaste in perfect shape.
How much toothpaste do I need to use?
Solid toothpaste is a thicker, dentist-style toothpaste. Use a pea sized amount for a full, fresh clean every time.
Using a toothpaste scoop means you get the perfect amount every time.
For kids under six, you need even less. A rice-grain-sized amount will get the job done.
My toothpaste is harder/softer than usual, what should I do?
As a more natural product, the time of year can affect the consistency of your toothpaste. Here’s what to do if you feel your toothpaste is too soft or too firm.
Too soft in summer: Ensure you can keep the lid on when not in use – water in the air can soften your toothpaste.
Too firm in winter: Store in a warmer place. If this doesn’t fix it, add a few drops of cooled, boiled water and stir.
Settling over time: Give your toothpaste a bit of a stir from top to bottom.
Can I use Solid toothpaste to brush my dog's teeth?
No. Humans only! Our toothpaste contains xylitol, which can make dogs ill if they consume it.
Can I travel with Solid toothpaste in a jar?
We recommend toothpaste tablets for ease of use when travelling. Our aluminium lids do not contain a plastic inner so may leak if the lid is loose or upended.
Toothpaste Tablets
Are your toothpaste tablets made in Australia?
Close! They are made just over the ditch in New Zealand. We are one of the few NZ companies that do not repackage toothpaste tablets imported from Germany or China. Solid toothpaste tablets are formulated by an Oral Health Therapist and are made in our own toothpaste lab. Our proprietary manufacturing process means our tablets transform into paste much easier than other toothpaste tablets on the market. If you’ve tried other tablets and haven’t liked them, it’s still worth giving Solid a try – especially since we’ve got a Love It Guarantee
Eeek! My toothpaste tablets look spiky or fuzzy
This can happen in cold temperatures. It’s the natural menthol crystallising. Your tablets are perfectly safe to use 😊
Floss
Is your dental floss plastic free?
No. Our floss is primarily made of polyester, with a small amount of bamboo charcoal and is coated in candelilla wax. We have a blog about why our floss is made of these materials here.
Why is your dental floss more sustainable?
Our floss comes in an unboxed, reusable stainless steel dispenser. Basically, we’ve designed out all the single use plastic packaging that usually surrounds dental floss. As a dental brand, we’re only happy providing a strong, dental grade floss. Solid’s dental floss is made from bamboo charcoal infused polyester. This black floss shows up plaque, and encourages you to floss more. You then dispose of it in the general waste. Note: we’ve noticed other brands advertising bamboo charcoal floss as biodegradable or compostable – this is simply not true. We suggest reading this blog for more information.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Are your toothbrushes plastic free?
No. Our bamboo toothbrush bristles are made of PBT (a type of plastic). This means the heads must be snapped off when you’re done with them and placed in the general waste. We use PBT bristles as the tapered bristles are great for cleaning under the gumline 😊
Unfortunately, the only natural option for toothbrushes is boar bristles, and these are not vegan or dentally approved. Some brands have been experimenting with castor seed oil based bristles, but there is still a plastic component to these.
It’s really important to me as a dental hygienist that any toothbrushes we provide improve people’s dental health, and at this time that means we have to compromise on plastic bristles.
How often should I replace my bamboo toothbrush?
Like all toothbrushes – your bamboo toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months.
How should I dispose of my bamboo toothbrush?
Snap off the head and place this in your general rubbish/landfill bin. The handle can then be repurposed (great in the garden), composted, or buried.
Which toothbrush should I use?
We offer two softnesses – soft and medium. Soft is our recommended option and should suit most people, however it comes down to personal preference. We also offer a sensitive bamboo toothbrush which is brilliant for smaller mouths.
Shipping & Returns
How much will shipping cost?
Shipping is $8.90 Australia wide. Free shipping over $75.
How will you send my order?
We’ll pack and send your order plastic free. We use repurposed paper, cardboard boxes and paper tape. We send orders via NZ Post Courier Select.
How long with shipping take?
You can expect your order in 4-8 working days. We’ll send you an email so you can track your order’s journey.
What is your returns policy?
For health and safety reasons, we are unable to accept change of mind returns once an item has been sent. If there are any issues with your order once you receive it, please contact us as soon as possible and we’ll put it right. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund shipping costs.
What is your cancellation policy?
We’re really proud to to pick and pack your orders quickly. Therefore, if you wish to cancel or change your order, you’ll need to email us within 5 minutes of placing your order.
General Solid FAQs
What ingredients do you use?
You can learn more about every ingredient we use here.
Where are Solid products made?
All our oral care products are formulated and made by us in Porirua, New Zealand. Our stainless steel “buy once” products, bamboo toothbrushes and dental floss are designed by us and made responsibly by our contractors in Shandong, China and Ningbo, China.
Where can I buy Solid instore?
You can view our stockists here. If your favourite local eco store, refill store or pharmacy does not stock us, please ask them to! Your request is valuable and is the reason we are in many stores.
How can I return my empty jars?
We would love to be able to offer this as an option in Australia and are currently working on it. Please get in touch if you have any contacts or ideas.
Can I stock your products?
Let’s chat! Email us at info@solidoralcare.com