Using bamboo toothbrushes can help you take care of your teeth without introducing another pile of plastic into the environment.
This figure might surprise you, but experts have estimated that there are a billion plastic toothbrushes being thrown away every year in the US. This of course means a great deal of non-biodegradable material going into landfills and the environment. Luckily, there is a viable eco-friendly alternative that you can easily find. Check out the best bamboo toothbrushes below to learn more about them.
Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
EcoFrenzy Bamboo Toothbrush
As one of the most popular options on the market, these toothbrushes come in packs of four. All of them have different labels so your roommates or family can still tell them apart while keeping them in the same place. On top of that, the packing is completely recyclable, an obvious choice for an eco-friendly product.
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They are reliable and affordable bamboo toothbrushes with nylon bristles. These bristles are soft so you will feel good on the teeth while holding a brush like that is also comfortable thanks to the ergonomic handle with a contoured shape for effective and easy brushing.
Most customers love these bamboo toothbrushes as they are gentle on their gums and work great on their teeth. The soft bristles are also in line with most dentists’ recommendations. This design reduces the effort you need to brush between teeth as those bristles can go in deeper.
The only downside you might notice is the bristles may fall out and get caught between your teeth. This seems not to happen too often, however.
Wowe Lifestyle Natural Organic Bamboo Toothbrush
These Wowe natural bamboo toothbrushes have gathered a big amount of positive reviews from over 2,700 customers, and there is a good reason for such an approving reception. On top of the plastic-free packing and comfortable-to-use ergonomic design, the bristles of these bamboo toothbrushes are also infused with charcoal for a better cleaning ability.
The smooth handle doesn’t splinter and can resist water pretty well. As a result, you won’t need to keep an eye on it more than the traditional plastic version – a common worry for new customers and who are considering switching to this type of eco-friendly product.
If this is the case, you will be also happy to know that the bamboo is certified by PETA as vegan and cruelty-free, and Wowe has promised to donate a portion of revenue from this product to One Tree Planted, a reputable charity with a mission to plant more trees and help reforestation efforts around the world. There are numerous companies selling eco-friendly products, but those who actually pledge more to support the cause than just making a profit is much lower.
People who have used these Wowe toothbrushes usually praise their solid handle and bristles that can get into tough spots. But they also often mention that these bristles may fall out and this is of course not a pleasant experience. The toothbrushes may also leave a weird taste that smells like, well, bamboo in your mouth for the first few times. Luckily, this will go away quickly and you won’t notice anything later.
Gaia Guy Natural Bristle Bamboo Toothbrush
Most bamboo toothbrushes above still use nylon bristles, and while there is a major issue about that, you may prefer a completely organic product instead. These Gaia Guy toothbrushes are a model like that with boar bristles. Between this and the paper packaging and bamboo handle, this is a fully biodegradable product for eco-conscious customers.
These toothbrushes can last for up to 3 months, longer than an average product. When they’re still completely new, you should fill boiling water into a mug, and soak the head of the brushes in the water for at least 10 minutes. By doing this, you can not only get rid of any residual taste and smell of the boar bristles but also remove any off-angle or stray bristle. Another way to deal with loose bristles is to use a tweezer to remove them. This will make sure no bristles will fall out accidentally in your mouth while you’re brushing.
Repeat this once a week to keep them sanitary. Even though bamboo is impermeable hardwood and bacteria may have a hard time building up, this may still happen. The chance is even higher for the soft bristles if they are well all the time. This is why you should own two toothbrushes for yourself, one for night and one for the morning, so the whole toothbrush can dry completely, preventing bacteria from developing.
However, this still doesn’t do much when the handle has been worn out and can’t keep the bristle anymore. At the end of its timeline, a whole bunch of bristles may come loose and there is nothing you can do about it. This is when you should throw them away and purchase a new package again.
Dr.Perfect Bamboo Toothbrush
Made from BPA-free nylon bristles and natural bamboo handles, this set of toothbrushes will be a wise purchase if you want to switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle while still having a great experience as traditional plastic products. At less than one dollar each, it’s a super affordable way to try out bamboo toothbrushes for new customers.
As cheap as they are, the handle of those toothbrushes are still well-built and feel solid while these slightly harder bristles can even go head-to-head with traditional toothbrushes when it comes to the ability to clean your teeth. While the brush head may be a bit smaller than what you expect, they aren’t tiny like a children’s product. Each pack comes with 12 toothbrushes, each of which has its own paper protector for better storage.
The only complaint for these toothbrushes is they may turn blackish around the bristles area after 2 months of use due to mold buildup. But as they are incredibly inexpensive, you can just grab a new one to replace it.
EcoFrenzy Kids Bamboo Toothbrush
For parents looking for a bamboo toothbrush for their kids and introducing them to the eco-friendly lifestyle, this colorful set is a perfect choice. Each pack has 4 toothbrushes with organically-colored, BPA-free bristles and smooth, comfy bamboo handles. Kids between 6 and 8 years old can use them without issue as the toothbrushes have a perfect softness and size for their little teeth. And instead of different labels, each toothbrush comes with a color so they can know whose is whose easily.
However, they are not really a good choice for travel. As you may not have a lot of open space for the toothbrushes to dry completely, transporting them like that may create a perfect environment for bacteria and mold to build upon the handle area around the bristle.
Isshah Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes
These Isshah toothbrushes are a common recommendation from dentists for those who don’t want to spend too much on a product like that. This small pack can serve you for a whole year without costing too much.
The natural bamboo handle is smooth and water-resistant. Since bamboo is harder and stronger than many kinds of wood, it’s not surprising that it’s more durable than plastic as well. This handle has a nice finish and doesn’t require you to dry it manually after use. Just rinse and put it back to the holder like a normal plastic toothbrush.
The charcoal bristles are amazingly soft and need less effort to brush your teeth since they can go in deep but don’t shed or hang up. The small head also allows you to go further back.
Remember that like most bamboo toothbrushes in this list, they may still need a lot of time for you to get used to. Even when the bamboo handle is smooth, it’s not the smoothness that you have been familiar with. And while this may not happen at first, the bamboo may stick up a bit due to the swelling. If you see any splinter, just sand it down or tear it off.
Humble Co. Bamboo Toothbrush
This pack of 4 Humble bamboo toothbrushes is going to be a cute and eco-friendly addition to the bathroom. They have BPA-free nylon bristles, which are available in a wide range of colors, and a 100% natural bamboo handle. Each of them is individually wrapped, making them a nice choice when you intend to buy toothbrushes for guests. This model has medium firmness and can last a pretty long time. The head is small and can get into all sides of your teeth to clean them while not damaging your gums.
However, many people prefer something bigger to get more done with each stroke. On top of that, the handle doesn’t have an ergonomic design like many other bamboo toothbrushes. You might think this wouldn’t make any difference, but it actually does. This thin handle is hard to grip, so you have to hold it much tighter, which is a big problem for those with nerve issues. These Humble toothbrushes may also knock against your teeth in an unpleasant way when you’re trying to reach tight areas, such as back molars.
myHomeBody Wide Head Bamboo Toothbrush
The most noticeable thing about these myHomeBody toothbrushes is the huge heads. With 6 tufts, it provides twice as many bristles as other products, therefore giving a much bigger brushing coverage. This large cleaning area is able to sweep away stuck food particles and prevent plaque and tartar from building up. The light cardboard box also means no wasted packaging – a must for a lot of eco-conscious customers.
While having a big head, it’s to reach your back teeth without hurting your jaw with this toothbrush. Thanks to the low profile with no bump and softer bristles, it’s comfortable to brush and the extra rows of bristles can actually do a better job of cleaning areas around the gum line. However, you may find it difficult to swing these toothbrushes inside your mouth. They tend to drag instead and you may need some time to get used to this design.
Nuduko Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes
The handles of these Nuduko toothbrushes come from sustainable bamboo farms. Each of them is also individually packaged in a small cardboard box for protection, so you can buy a pack and keep the rest of them for guests or as a replacement.
Your gums may bleed and the edges of your mouth may get friction from the wooden handle at first if you aren’t careful, but they will get used to it eventually with no serious issue. The bristles are also durable and don’t come off too often.
FAQs
How long can a bamboo toothbrush last?
Bamboo or plastic, you should always replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months. This is a common recommendation from dentists and professional dental organizations, so these eco-friendly products are not different from their standard counterparts. But the best part is after that period, you don’t need to worry about your plastic handle populating the environment. Just remove the bristles first (if they are made from nylon), and you can recycle the bamboo handle.
Are they hygienic and safe for me?
Bamboo toothbrushes are actually an old invention. The difference is those ancient toothbrushes used boar bristles instead of nylon like the ones on the market nowadays. They are both hygienic options and recommended by many dentists.
WIll they get moldy?
Since bamboo is a porous material, it’s totally possible that you see mold developing in your bamboo handle. The best way to deal with it is to rinse and let it dry completely.
Conclusion
There are so many products that now have their eco-friendly version, like the best bamboo toothbrushes above. They work just as great as any regular off-the-shelf plastic toothbrush you’re using, and thanks to the bamboo handle, they can help you reduce a small amount of plastic going into the environment.