Which Is the Best Bamboo Toothbrush for You?
When people talk about cutting down on waste, some items get all the attention, like plastic bags and plastic straws. But what about plastic toothbrushes? They actually create a significant amount of waste, and that’s where a bamboo toothbrush comes in handy.
There are a variety of bamboo toothbrushes on the market today. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, read on to discover the advantages of each style and find out which one is the best bamboo toothbrush for you.
If you’re trying to create a zero waste bathroom, make sure you check out our post on the best eco-friendly dental floss and the best zero waste toothpaste for everyone in the family.
Also, if you use an electric toothbrush, you don’t have to use those wasteful plastic heads. Instead, you can check out these best bamboo electric toothbrush replacement heads.
Don’t have an electric toothbrush yet, but would like to make the switch to a more sustainable option? This post on the best eco-friendly electric toothbrushes has you covered!
The Environmental Impact of Plastic Toothbrushes
Even though the humble toothbrush doesn’t get as much attention in discussions about reducing waste, its impact on the environment is staggering. Just think about some of these facts:
- Every plastic toothbrush ever made still exists today.
- Some of these plastic toothbrushes sit in landfills where they release toxic chemicals.
- Other plastic toothbrushes end up in the ocean were marine creatures mistake them for food and try to eat them.
- In the United States alone, over a billion toothbrushes are thrown away every year. That’s enough to stretch around the Earth four times and equals 50 million pounds of plastic toothbrushes in the landfill.
- Most plastic toothbrushes are made from polypropylene, which is sourced from nonrenewable fossil fuels.
OK, so obviously plastic toothbrushes have a major negative impact on the environment. Is there anything we can do about that? As a matter of fact, yes, there is! We can make the switch to a bamboo toothbrush.
Different Types of Bamboo Toothbrushes
A bamboo toothbrush has a bamboo handle instead of a plastic handle. Although it’s sometimes mistakenly considered wood, bamboo is actually a type of grass. Since some bamboo species can grow up to 35 inches (91 cm) a day, it’s a highly sustainable material.
Plus, since it’s natural, it will decompose when you’re done using it. Bamboo is incredibly sturdy, so it can hold up to everyday use just like plastic. It’s also naturally antimicrobial.
When you start shopping for a bamboo toothbrush, you’ll typically find two styles: nylon bristles and charcoal-infused bristles. Each style has its own set of benefits.
Nylon Bristle Bamboo Toothbrush
Nylon bristles are the traditional type of bristles. They’re firm enough to brush away bacteria on your teeth, yet they’re usually softer than charcoal bristles. They’re effective at gently cleaning your teeth and gums.
Charcoal Bristle Bamboo Toothbrush
Rather than sweep away bacteria like nylon bristles, charcoal-infused bristles bind and absorb bacteria to remove them from your mouth. These bristles are also ideal for whitening your teeth.
However, as previously mentioned, charcoal bristles tend to feel a little harder when compared to the nylon bristles that most people are used to.
1. Best Bamboo Toothbrush With Nylon Bristles
If you prefer the soft and traditional feel of nylon bristles, then this 5-piece set of nylon bristle bamboo toothbrushes is ideal for you. These bamboo toothbrushes are made with organic and biodegradable bamboo handles.
The nylon bristles are BPA free and good for sensitive gums. If you’re buying these brushes for your family, each brush is individually numbered, which makes it easy to tell them apart.
Related: The Best Natural Mouthwash
2. Best Bamboo Toothbrush With Charcoal Bristles
If you’re looking for the cleanliness of charcoal bristles, this pack of 4 bamboo toothbrushes is an excellent option. The bamboo handle is smooth and water resistant.
The toothbrushes are numbered, which makes them good for family use. If you’re buying them for yourself, one pack will last you an entire year.
Related: More Than 50 Awesome Alternatives to Plastic
3. Best Bamboo Toothbrush Combination Pack
If you can’t decide whether you want nylon bristles or charcoal bristles, this combination pack of bamboo toothbrushes is the perfect option.
You get one of each, so you can try out both styles to see which one you like best. This is also an excellent option if you have one person in your family who likes nylon bristles and another who prefers charcoal bristles.
The bamboo used for these toothbrushes is organically grown. The product is also vegan and cruelty free.
4. Best Bamboo Toothbrush for Kids
Adults aren’t the only ones who can make the switch to a more eco-friendly toothbrush. If you have young ones at home and you want to teach them to make more sustainable choices, select a bamboo toothbrush specifically designed for kids.
Our son uses these bamboo toothbrushes for children. They have a small head with soft bristles, which is good for small mouths. They also have a slimmer handle, which makes it easier for children to use.
Plus, they’re made with pesticide-free bamboo and plastic-free packaging that’s completely biodegradable and compostable.
Related: The Best Eco-Friendly Baby Products
5. Best Bamboo Toothbrush for Travel
If you’re planning a trip, you don’t have to turn to a plastic toothbrush for convenience. Instead, choose this bamboo toothbrush set with travel case.
This set of four bamboo toothbrushes comes with its own bamboo travel case to make packing them incredibly easy.
Of course, if you prefer a different style of toothbrush, you can always get a separate bamboo travel case. To make your trip even more eco-friendly, don’t forget to check out our post on the essentials you need to get for a zero-waste travel kit.
Related: How to Plan a Zero Waste Disney Vacation
The Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
You can help cut down on the amount of dangerous plastic that ends up in our landfills and waterways when you make the switch to a bamboo toothbrush. Whether you’re interested in soft nylon bristles or charcoal-infused bristles that can help whiten your teeth, you now know the best bamboo toothbrush to suit your needs.
More Eco-Friendly Tips
Now that you know more about the best bamboo toothbrushes, are you ready for even more eco-friendly tips? Then be sure to check out some of our other popular posts:
- Best Natural Drain Cleaner
- How to Make Aloe Vera Gel
- Green Apps to Help You Live a More Sustainable Life
- How to Make Homemade Glass Cleaner