The Best Bamboo Toothbrushes in 2022: Why It's Better
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The Benefits of Bamboo Toothbrushes
Looking for a toothbrush that is eco-friendly and better for your health? Look no further than our list of the best bamboo toothbrushes in 2022!
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on Earth, making these toothbrushes a great choice for people who care about the environment.
It's also great for your oral health! The bristles are soft and gentle on your teeth and gums, making them a great choice for people with sensitive mouths.
Plus, the natural bamboo toothbrush is much more affordable than other eco-friendly toothbrushes on the market!
But let's first look at the negative effects a plastic toothbrush has on the environment.
Table of Contents
- Plastic Toothbrush Negative Effects
- About Electric Toothbrushes
- Why Some Dentists Recommend A Bamboo Toothbrush
- The Dentist's Pick: Plus Ultra
- Natural Bamboo Toothbrush Benefits
- What Are The Bristles Made of in a Bamboo Toothbrush?
- Bamboo Toothbrush Bristles Made of Other Materials
- Are All Soft Bristles Made of Nylon?
- Sad Facts About Plastic Waste Pollution and Toothbrushes
- How Long Does a Bamboo Toothbrush last?
- Are Any Bamboo Toothbrushes Made in the USA?
- Is a Bamboo Toothbrush More Expensive?
- Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Really Eco-Friendly?
- Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Hygienic?
- Why Do Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Develop Mold?
- Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
Plastic Toothbrush Negative Effects
Plastic toothbrushes are made of polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. This plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it will sit in landfills for years, or even centuries!
In addition to this, the manufacture of these toothbrushes requires fossil fuels. These fossil fuels release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
So, not only will a plastic toothbrush sit in a landfill for years, but it also contributed to pollution and climate change.
Each year, billions of toothbrushes are produced and most of them end up in landfills. They take hundreds of years to decompose and often release harmful toxins into the environment.
Plastic toothbrushes also contain BPA, a harmful chemical that can leak into the water supply and cause health problems.
About Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are not eco-friendly either. They require batteries, which are made of harmful chemicals and metals. These batteries often end up in landfills, where they release toxins into the environment.
In addition to this, electric toothbrushes can be wasteful. If you're like most people, you probably leave your toothbrush on all day, even when you're not using it. This wastes electricity and resources.
The majority of toothbrushes on the market today are made from nylon, which is a type of plastic created from crude oil. It is subjected to a chemical procedure that transforms it into long, flexible fibers. In 1938, toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first produced.
Nylon is a man-made material that's been used in parachutes, stockings, clothing, rope, and automobile tires.
Nylon takes years to degrade because it is composed of coal and oil, which are non-renewable resources. Toxic gases may be emitted during its creation.
Why Some Dentists Recommend A Bamboo Toothbrush
Some Dentists recommend a bamboo toothbrush for many reasons.
- First, a bamboo toothbrush is made of sustainable materials, so they are eco-friendly.
- Second, they are gentle on your teeth and gums. It will not irritate your mouth like some plastic and other toothbrushes can.
- Third, they are effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
- Finally, a bamboo toothbrush is cost-effective. They are often cheaper than plastic toothbrushes, and they last just as long.
The Dentist's Pick: Plus Ultra
Dr. McNamara said, "The brand of bamboo toothbrush that I suggest is Plus Ultra. They have soft bristles of excellent quality, and their head is very well-designed. The sustainable toothbrush features unique wave-shaped nylon bristles developed for dentist use, and the handle is adorned with the affirmations: "hello gorgeous," and "hello handsome." Packaging consists of biodegrading and using plant dyes."
Natural Bamboo Toothbrush Benefits
Material is important in oral matters. The best-selling and sustainable alternative to toothbrush handle material is bamboo.
Take notice of its outstanding features and advantages.
- Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that resembles grass in many ways. Bamboo grows like grass, sometimes doubling its height in a single day. This implies there's plenty of it, and when it's cut down, it reverts to form quickly enough not to harm the ecosystem.
- It's completely natural, with no chemicals needed. There are no pesticides in it.
- Bamboo roots survive after harvest, retaining nutrients for the next crop by preventing soil erosion and keeping them in place.
- Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees.
- We appreciate bamboo since it is entirely natural and untamed.
- Bamboo is 100% compostable—even in the backyard.
- It has surprising strength: it is 34 percent harder than white oak and 2.5 times more durable than standard wood.
- Bamboo consumes minimal water as a whole.
- After being harvested for bamboo toothbrushes it can continue growing because the harvest does not kill the core plant.
- Bamboo is a natural material that biodegrades quickly, so it doesn't have these negative effects on the environment.
- Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, so it helps to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
- In order to function correctly, the local economy needs a certain amount of workers. The provision of such labor is essential to any community's growth and cultural preservation.
What Are The Bristles Made of in a Bamboo Toothbrush?
When looking for a natural bamboo toothbrush, you'll want to find one with biodegradable bristles. Bamboo toothbrushes come with several types of bristles: natural, charcoal bristles, boar hair, and nylon.
Natural bristles
Castor bean oil, tapioca, or corn can be used to produce natural plant-based bristles, which are biodegradable and will break down over time.
Plant-based bristles (100%) can be composted, but it might take a few months for them to decompose. It is suggested that they be hot composted since the bristles are made of natural materials.
Activated charcoal bristles
Charcoal toothbrushes include activated charcoal bristles. When you use charcoal bamboo toothbrushes, the active carbon goes directly onto your teeth.
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSD, board-certified periodontist and prosthodontist, says:
"This charcoal is a fine grain power obtained by oxidizing coal, olive pits, coconut shells, and other materials.
Charcoal toothbrushes remove stains on the teeth, leaving your smile looking brighter.
This is thanks to its highly absorbent properties. Adatrow says the activated charcoal binds to acidic components from things like coffee, tea, and wine in order to remove the stains they can leave behind."
Unfortunately, charcoal bristles can also be abrasive and messy to use and some dentists wouldn't suggest utilizing any charcoal-based dental treatments because there isn't enough research to back them up.
Boar bristles
It's a really effective technique to clean your teeth. These natural boar bristle toothbrushes are made from a unique breed of boar. The bristles are collected and then cooked to make them more consistent and hygienic.
Don't be concerned; it has been thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. Because there is no plastic in such a bamboo toothbrush, it is completely free of PVC, lead, phthalates, and BPA chemicals.
The entire bamboo toothbrush may be composted, making its end-of-life care much easier than other brushes on this list, as long as some extra attention is paid to keeping the bristles clean (a rinse in very hot water every once in a while).
This biodegradable bamboo toothbrush with boar bristles is less abrasive than nylon bristles. The firmness of these black bristles is comparable to that of a medium-firm nylon toothbrush.
You get a thorough cleaning without scraping or injuring your gums.
Nylon bristles
The soft nylon bristles on eco-friendly sustainable toothbrushes are usually made from recycled materials.
Nylon is a durable synthetic material that is often used to make clothing, carpet, and other products.
It is also used to make toothbrush bristles because it is stiff and has good scrubbing power.
While nylon bristles are not biodegradable, they can be recycled.
When it comes time to replace your eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush, make sure you recycle the bristles instead of throwing them away.
Remove the bristles from your old bamboo toothbrush with a pair of tweezers when it's time to get rid of it.
A waste recycling firm, Terracycle, accepts toothbrush bristles for recycling.
Bamboo Toothbrush Bristles Made of Other Materials
There are also eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes that come with bristles made of various other materials such as silicone, and copper.
- Silicone is a type of rubber that is heat-resistant and very flexible. It does not break down over time like natural bristles, so it can be used multiple times. Silicone bristles, unlike nylon bristles, are larger and more delicate, making them a viable alternative to soft nylon brush heads. They also don't carry as much bacteria as nylon bristles do, so you won't have to replace them as often.
- Copper is a naturally occurring element that has antimicrobial properties. This means it can kill bacteria and other microorganisms on contact.
We quote POH or Personal Oral Hygiene:
"POH uses 67% Copper brads in the bristle anchors.
Copper, being well known for having anti-microbial properties, is simply the best material to use. It won’t, of course, eliminate infection in your mouth. It will degrade the ability of nasty germs to set up their secret little world on your toothbrush!"
Are All Soft Bristles Made of Nylon?
No, not all soft bristles are made of nylon. Some toothbrush bristles are made of natural materials like plant-based oils and activated charcoal. Boar hair is also a popular choice for eco-friendly toothbrush bristles.
It's important to check the material composition of any eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush before purchasing it to ensure that the bristles are biodegradable unless you prefer soft nylon bristles.
Nylon is an extremely strong material, but it does not allow for the use of petroleum-based compounds. You can rest easy knowing that you're avoiding this greenhouse gas-inducing sector by not using nylon.
You can read more about the difficult process involved in recycling nylon here.
Sad Facts About Plastic Waste Pollution and Toothbrushes
Approximately 3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold each year, resulting in 175 million pounds of plastic being used in the manufacturing of these products.
All of the 175 million pounds of plastic produced every year will end up in landfills or our seas, where it will remain for at least 1000 years, thanks to the materials used to make toothbrushes.
Hopefully, you'll start to see the magnitude of the problem we're dealing with when it comes to dental hygiene and plastic waste. But it's possible to reduce it by using a natural, bamboo, biodegradable, plastic-free toothbrush.
How Long Does a Bamboo Toothbrush last?
Like all toothbrushes, a bamboo toothbrush needs replacing within the first 90 days. Most are compostable but you could recycle a bamboo toothbrush and use it for cleaning hard-to-find areas of your house.
Are Any Bamboo Toothbrushes Made in the USA?
Yes, and we quote:
"Brush with Bamboo is the world’s first plant-based toothbrush. Every component of our product is plant-based: bristles, handle, and box.
Brush with Bamboo is a USDA Certified Biobased Product by United States Government’s Bio preferred Program.
A purchase of our eco-friendly toothbrush is a vote for biobased products that are not fossil fuel-based.
All of our products are Verified BPA-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Non-toxic."
Is a Bamboo Toothbrush More Expensive?
A bamboo toothbrush is usually more expensive than regular toothbrushes, but they're still cheaper than other toothbrushes.
The eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush market is still fairly new, which means that prices may come down as production increases and economies of scale are achieved.
Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Really Eco-Friendly?
Yes, a bamboo toothbrush is eco-friendly because:
- They're made of sustainable material
- Bamboo is the grass that grows quickly
- It doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to grow
- It also thrives in diverse climates, so it can be grown all over the world
- When you're done with your bamboo toothbrush, you can compost it or recycle it
- Bamboo toothbrush handles are also biodegradable, which means they'll break down in the environment over time
Bamboo is a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic, and it's been used for centuries in Asia for construction, food storage, and more.
Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Hygienic?
Just like any other toothbrush, you need to clean your bamboo toothbrush regularly. You can either rinse it with water or use a toothbrush cleaning solution.
Yes, bamboo toothbrushes are a sanitary and hygienic type of oral care. The bamboo handle of the toothbrush is resistant to water damage owing to bamboo's naturally antifungal characteristics. Bamboo has been used to produce toothbrushes since the 8th century A.D.
Why Do Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Develop Mold?
Mold wants water. Mold spores may not develop, multiply, or spread without it. Bamboo is fantastic at retaining moisture for lengthy periods of time, which isn't great for mold growth.
Bamboo is a naturally porous material. This means it absorbs and holds moisture within itself. It also has lots of spaces where mold and germs can gather.
The minute traces of mold and germs on the typical toothbrush are usually harmless. When mold begins to develop visibly, you know you have a problem.
A clean towel or washcloth to wipe away any extra water from your toothbrush after each use is an effective method of preventing mold spread as well as storing it upright.
Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
10 Brands For That Sustainable Smile With A Plastic Free Toothbrush
- Brush with Bamboo - Zero Waste Toothbrush:
The handles of this great zero waste toothbrush are constructed from Moso bamboo, which is a sustainable and renewable resource.
Brush with Bamboo is conscious of the environmental impact of its best bamboo toothbrush which is why it only harvests around 0.1% of what grows in the vast bamboo mountain range every year.
For those of us concerned about pandas, we may rest easy knowing that Moso is not on the list of 42 bamboo species that they prefer to consume.
Brush with Bamboo is an eco-friendly, zero-waste toothbrush brand that makes biodegradable, bamboo toothbrush handles and bristles from recycled plastic.
Their toothbrushes are Made in the USA and come in a variety of colors.
- Life Without Plastic
Life Without Plastic's Mission Statement:
"Our MISSION is to raise awareness on the health and environmental problems posed by plastics while making the solutions more accessible, and empowering people to be part of the change."
- Gaia Guy
Gaia Guy has a selection of natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable products, including a best bamboo toothbrush.
- Bam&Boo (Love the original name!)
The Bam&Boo bamboo toothbrush is made with BPA-free nylon bristles. We understand that it is not yet the most ecologically beneficial solution. However, it is still the greatest method of providing excellent oral care.
We have chosen the best bamboo toothbrushes based on their ability to reduce environmental waste, their sustainability, and their cost-effectiveness.
The flexible, soft-bristled bamboo toothbrush with an angled neck from Toms of Maine helps to clean hard-to-reach spots. The child-sized handle is colored using mineral-based pigments.
You may make the perfect choice for your entire family by choosing between our Naturally Clean adult toothbrush and our Children's eco-friendly toothbrush, which is made from 100% plant-based materials.
The bristles on this bamboo toothbrush are made from 62% castor bean oil and 38% nylon. The bamboo handle is FSC certified, meaning it comes from sustainably managed forests.
Eco Roots is a small business based in Toronto, Canada. They ship worldwide!
This eco-friendly best bamboo toothbrush is made with biodegradable bamboo bristles and a 100% recycled plastic handle. The packaging is also eco-friendly!
Discover the chemical-free, cruelty-free, and organic dental products they have to offer - including an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush.
They're also available in eco-packaging that can be reused or recycled to aid with waste minimization! The company is based in the UK.
Humble's bamboo toothbrush handle is composed of 100 percent biodegradable, responsibly-grown bamboo. The bristles are made of nylon-6 bristLES from Dupont.
The box and inner wrapping are compostable, as well as the packaging. The company is based in Sweden.
Preserve is an eco-friendly company that makes products from recycled materials All of their products are Made in the USA and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Charcoal Toothpaste: Is It Really Better for Teeth Whitening?
Toothpaste containing activated charcoal may help remove surface stains from your teeth. Charcoal is a slightly abrasive material that can to some extent absorb surface stains.
There's no evidence, however, that it has any impact on stains beneath the enamel of a tooth or that it has natural bleaching capabilities.
A product must work on stains on the surface and internal stains, which are those that are below the enamel.
Although activated charcoal does have some proven advantages, there isn't enough evidence to include teeth whitening among them.
Conclusion
The increasing awareness about environmental issues is increasing in the US population, and the change is mainly in the way that we do daily tasks.
Some of these small improvements include using plastic-free straws, eco toothbrushes, or some small thing to reduce waste in landfills and ocean waters.
What will you do to help the environment?
We hope this post helped you learn a little bit more about eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes and why they might be a good choice for you.
What are your thoughts on eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes? Let us know in the comments below.
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