Did you know that the first toothbrushes were made from twigs and animal hair?! Over time, toothbrushes have evolved from natural materials to plastic, which has created a significant environmental problem. Every year, over one billion plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills and oceans, where they take hundreds of years (up to 500!) to decompose. Lucky for us and the planet, bamboo toothbrushes offer a more sustainable solution to this problem and are quickly gaining popularity. I want to go over the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes, their environmental impact, and how to properly dispose of them. Just as a note there are affiliate links below, but I never suggest products that don't align with my beliefs.
Overview of Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are toothbrushes made from bamboo (obviously), a fast-growing and renewable resource. The handles of bamboo toothbrushes are typically made from Moso bamboo, which is native to China and can grow up to 91 cm in a day (35 inches!). It should be noted that the bristles of bamboo toothbrushes are usually made from nylon, which is not biodegradable but can be recycled!
Bamboo toothbrushes come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, just like plastic toothbrushes. They are available in soft, medium, and hard bristle variants, making them suitable for people with different oral health needs.
One of the significant advantages of bamboo toothbrushes is that they are naturally antimicrobial, making them resistant to bacteria growth. This means that the bristles of bamboo toothbrushes stay cleaner for longer, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup in your mouth.
Benefits of Using Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes offers a ton of benefits for your oral health. Here are just a few of the advantages of using bamboo toothbrushes:
Gentle on Teeth and Gums
Bamboo toothbrushes have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums, making them ideal for people with sensitive mouths. Unlike plastic toothbrushes, which can cause damage to your enamel and gums, bamboo toothbrushes provide a gentle cleaning experience (so long as you aren’t putting too much pressure).
Naturally Antimicrobial
As I mentioned earlier, bamboo toothbrushes are naturally antimicrobial. This means that they can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. The health benefits from having a strong oral hygiene routine is pretty crazy when you start looking into it, it could honestly be its own post and I recommend looking up the benefits if you’re interested in health!
Eco-Friendly
Unlike plastic toothbrushes, which take hundreds of years (again 500!!) to decompose, bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and can decompose within a year. Bamboo is also an amazingly fast-growing and renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice for toothbrush handles.
Stylish and Customizable
Bamboo toothbrushes come in various colors and designs, making them a stylish addition to your bathroom. Some bamboo toothbrushes come with customizable handles, allowing you to add your name or logo to the handle. So if there are a few people in your house there’s no need to worry about accidentally sharing a toothbrush (shout out to that one episode of Friends).
Environmental Impact of Bamboo Toothbrushes vs Plastic Toothbrushes
The environmental impact of toothbrushes is a significant concern, that’s why we’re here, and the use of plastic toothbrushes has contributed to the global trash problem. Here are some of the ways that bamboo toothbrushes are more environmentally friendly than plastic toothbrushes:
Biodegradable
As mentioned earlier, bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, which means that they can decompose naturally within a year. On the other hand, plastic toothbrushes can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. There’s no need to contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (there’s an amazing company cleaning up the patch! Their work is going to get its own post, they’re incredible).
Sustainable
I know I’ve said this almost a hundred times but just in case you haven’t caught on, bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource that can be harvested sustainably. Bamboo requires less water and pesticides than other crops, making it a more sustainable choice for toothbrush handles. Bamboo is honestly a great replacement for many products including wood flooring.
Less Waste
Every toothbrush you have ever used is currently in a landfill, the same with every single plastic toothbrush that has ever been sold. Switching to bamboo toothbrushes can reduce the amount of plastic waste in your home and effectively help save the oceans by reducing what can be swept out to sea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Toothbrushes
Are bamboo toothbrushes more expensive than plastic toothbrushes?
Bamboo toothbrushes are typically more expensive than plastic toothbrushes. However, the price difference is usually negligible, and the benefits of using bamboo toothbrushes outweigh the cost.
Can bamboo toothbrushes be recycled?
Bamboo toothbrushes cannot be recycled, but the bristles can be removed and recycled separately. The handle of the bamboo toothbrush can be composted or disposed of in the trash.
How long do bamboo toothbrushes last?
Bamboo toothbrushes last as long as plastic toothbrushes, which is about three months. However, it is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four weeks to maintain good oral hygiene.
Alternatives to Bamboo Toothbrushes
If bamboo toothbrushes are not your cup of tea, there are other eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes. Here are some of the alternatives to bamboo toothbrushes:
Toothbrushes made from recycled plastic
Toothbrushes made from recycled plastic are another eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. Although still plastic, some are made of 100% recycled material (except the bristles, those are brand new to you). If these are more up your alley here’s an option, you can try these.
Toothbrushes made from cornstarch
Toothbrushes made from cornstarch are biodegradable and compostable. These toothbrushes are made from a blend of cornstarch and other natural materials and are a great alternative to plastic toothbrushes. I’ve honestly never tried these, but I think they are super interesting! If you’ve tried them let me know, when I start running low on my supply, I’m going to find some to try out.
Electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes, but they are more efficient at cleaning your teeth. Most electric toothbrushes come with replaceable heads, reducing the amount of waste generated by toothbrushes.
How to Properly Dispose of Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and can be disposed of in the trash or composted. I recommend composting if you can! However, it is important to remove the bristles before disposing of the handle. The bristles of bamboo toothbrushes are usually made from nylon, which is not biodegradable but can be recycled. You can contact your local recycling center to find out if they accept nylon bristles for recycling.
Where to Buy Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are available online and in stores. Here are some of the places where you can buy bamboo toothbrushes:
Health food stores
Health food stores such as Whole Foods and Sprouts carry bamboo toothbrushes. This is always my first option when buying, bonus points if you have a family-owned store you can purchase from!
Online retailers
Online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy offer a wide range of bamboo toothbrushes in various colors and designs. Sometimes the only option you have is online, and if that’s the case for you, you can find the pack that I sometimes order here.
Specialty stores
Specialty stores such as The Package Free Shop and Brush with Bamboo offer a range of eco-friendly toothbrushes, including bamboo toothbrushes.
If you're looking to make a positive impact on the planet while taking care of your oral health, switching to a bamboo toothbrush is an amazing place to start!
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