Whether or not bamboo toothbrushes are worth it simply depends on your personal priorities and values. If you care about the environment and want to make positive eco changes to your daily life, then bamboo toothbrushes are absolutely worth it. Let's look at this in more detail...
Why Bamboo Toothbrushes Are Worth It
Bamboo toothbrushes are a much more eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes due to their biodegradable nature, meaning they can be completely composted after use. What's more, bamboo is a fast-growing sustainable crop that grows quickly and does not require pesticides or fertilisers due to the fact it can self-regenerate from its own roots. Pretty cool eh?
Another reason why people believe that bamboo toothbrushes are worth it, is the fact that they can be just as effective at cleaning your teeth and easy-to-use than any manual toothbrush on the market, as long as you brush properly. Also, the bristles are generally soft nylon that provide maximum performance to remove stains, tartar and plaque from sensitive teeth and gums.
But, Do Bamboo Toothbrushes Last Longer Than Plastic Toothbrushes?
Natural bamboo toothbrushes typically have a similar lifespan to plastic toothbrushes, which is typically around 3-4 months. We recommend replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or when the bristles have frayed out of shape. Shop our 3 month toothbrush pack and brush so you can change both at the same time!
It's also worth noting that the toothbrush lifespan also depends on how well you take care of it and of course, how often you use it. Storing the toothbrush properly, cleaning it regularly and avoiding excessive pressure while brushing will help to extend the lifespan of the toothbrush & bristles alike.
Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Sanitary?
One common question around the topic of bamboo toothbrushes is ‘are they sanitary?’, and the answer is simple - yes! As long as they are properly cleaned and stored (which will also extend their lifespan, as mentioned above), bamboo toothbrushes are completely sanitary and hygienic.
In fact, bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties that mean it reduces the presence of microbes, such as bacteria and mould. This natural resistance to bacteria makes it an even more hygienic option compared to plastic toothbrushes.
How To Ensure Your Bamboo Toothbrush Is Kept Sanitary
It's recommended to rinse the toothbrush with hot water and soap after each use, and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. It's also important to store the toothbrush in a clean, dry place, away from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination.
As mentioned, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months regardless of the material, as bristles become frayed over time and can hold bacteria, leading to less effective cleaning and potential oral health issues.
How Safe Are Bamboo Toothbrushes?
The good news is that bamboo toothbrushes are completely safe and can in fact be seen as a safer option than plastic toothbrushes. One reason for this is because bamboo has antimicrobial properties meaning it can help break up and eliminate bacteria better than a plastic toothbrush.
However, it’s important to keep your bamboo toothbrush clean from mould as this may hinder how safe they are to use. As bamboo is a naturally porous material, it means it holds onto moisture for a long time and is therefore more susceptible to mould. To prevent mould from growing on your sustainable bamboo toothbrush, rinse and dry between uses, and replace every 2-3 months.
So, as long as you follow these guidelines and take good care of it, a bamboo toothbrush is completely safe for use.
Of course, bamboo toothbrushes are also a safer option for the environment. Compared to plastic toothbrushes - of which 264 million end up in landfill each year, and contribute to harmful plastic pollution - bamboo can be composted. If you do choose to compost your brush, bamboo has large levels of silica which facilitates photosynthesis and chlorophyll composition in plants! To put simply, it will help plants grow faster.
6x Bamboo Toothbrush Family Pack - 'Embrace The Elements'
The handle of this toothbrush is made from sustainably and ethically sourced bamboo, and is also fully biodegradable. The ergonomics of the handle is designed for 99% of the self-brushing population. In addition the neck of the toothbrush is designed to get to those hard to reach molars at the back!
The bristles are made from nylon-6, as it does not absorb moisture or retain bacteria. They are also blunted at the tips to ensure they do not cause tooth wear and abrasion related gum recession with over eager brushing!
Brush Fresh Co. is founded and run by a group of UK-based dentists, who specialise in environmentally-friendly and sustainable dental products. From biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes to zero waste toothbrush tablets, our products have been designed to put both your dental health and the environment first. For more dental care advice, check out our blog page or get in touch with us here.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Brush Fresh Co - the UK's Dental Experts Providing eco-friendly dental care.