An astonishing 3.5 billion toothbrushes are dumped every year across the world and guess what? The very first plastic toothbrush ever invented is probably still sitting in landfill today. If those facts unsettle you, there is an eco-friendly solution: the bamboo toothbrush.
Bamboo has many benefits; it produces less waste, it's sustainably sourced and it's regenerative. It's super sustainable because not only is it the fastest growing grass on Earth, it's grown densely in clusters so to grow a lot of it, you don't need tons of land. To be specific, you can crop around 60 tonnes per hectare compared with 20 tonnes for most trees.
Furthermore, bamboo will regrow year after year from the very same root, hence why it's known as the 'cut and come again' crop. The clever root system reduces soil erosion, and the plant is sturdy, able to withstand extreme water conditions. Plus, it releases up to 35% more oxygen than other trees.
In comparison to plastic production, it's pretty clear that bamboo is winning. But why should you choose bamboo for your teeth? Let's answer your most popular questions.
Bamboo is 100% naturally compostable. The Non Plastic Beach Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush that can be found in our range of eco-friendly home products, has a biodegradable handle with mould protection. After use, you could toss the handle in your garden but that would take around five to ten years to decompose, still far better than the hundreds of years a plastic toothbrush takes to decompose in landfill!
However, if you were to put it in the compost instead, it would only take about 4-6 months to completely breakdown. Plus, if you chopped up the pieces it would decompose even quicker. If you have access to a local industrial composter then it would only take a few weeks to breakdown.
The bristles are made from vegan, BPA-free nylon, so you don't have to worry about unwanted chemicals. Although they're not biodegradable, they can be extracted for recycling at your local centre (make sure to check the guidelines). You may be wondering why the bristles aren't made from bamboo too, but BPA-free nylon is the best ethical option on the market right now that can clean your teeth e'ciently. Dental health is important, something we believe shouldn't be compromised on.
As the rest of the toothbrush is made from bamboo, you'd still be choosing an option with 95% less plastic than any other mainstream toothbrush.
As we mentioned, you can dispose of the handle with green garden waste or recycle it with wood (check local recycling guidelines). Better yet, you could reuse it in the garden as a plant marker or save it for arts and crafts, perfect for keeping the kids entertained in lockdown. As for the bristles, carefully pluck them out using a pair of tweezers and store them safely, then take them to your local recycling centre (if the guidelines say so).
Or you could keep the toothbrush as it is and reuse it as a cleaning tool to get in any awkward corners of your home.
How to store a bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo is kept best in a dry area so using a toothbrush cup may not be the best option as they collect water. Instead, try an open-air holder or leave it in an open storage box in your bathroom and lightly dry it with a towel after use. Bamboo is easy to care for because it's naturally antimicrobial, preventing the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush. Don't worry if you're brush fades in colour over time, that's normal.
However, if you prefer a cup to store your toothbrush in, the Non Plastic Beach Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush does feature an anti-mould protective coating on the bottom, which (as long as you clean your cup regularly) should help protect it from going mouldy.
Dentists recommend that we change our toothbrushes every three months no matter if they're plastic or bamboo, for more information on brushing tips and information, read our guide.
What happens after? For every 1 billion toothbrushes, 50 million pounds of plastic waste is added to landfills. According to National Geographic, if everyone in the world replaced their toothbrushes every three months, about 23 billion end up piled in landfill or polluting the oceans. That's a hefty number!
So, choosing and disposing of your bamboo toothbrush is important. What's more, being sustainable doesn't mean you should bin your plastic toothbrush right this second. You should use it for the recommended amount of time before purchasing a bamboo toothbrush, otherwise you will have wasted plastic without using it e'ciently.
According to Colgate, 'bamboo toothbrushes can be just as good for your teeth as plastic toothbrushes' so a sustainable and 95% compostable toothbrush that does the job, what's not to love?
Although the Non Plastic Beach Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush bristles aren't biodegradable, it has drastically reduced the amount of plastic waste, therefore it's a huge positive step. Besides, 95% is immensely better than 0%. The bamboo toothbrush is the ideal choice for healthy dental care that's environmentally friendly.
Updated on April 9, ' Estimated read time: 8 minutes
As you may know, brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most effective ways to help your teeth remain healthy. However, did you know that the type of toothbrush you use and the way you brush your teeth are equally important?
Switching to a bamboo toothbrush is a remarkable step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. These eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes are not only better for the environment but also offer several benefits for your oral health.
So to ensure that bamboo toothbrush can help you improve your dental health and prevent many unnecessary teeth and gum diseases. Today, I'm going to share with you 10 tips on using a bamboo toothbrush. By following these tips, not only will your bamboo toothbrush effectively extend its lifespan, but these tips will also contribute significantly to your teeth overall health and well-being.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of a toothbrush that has soft bristles because they minimize the risk of gingival abrasion.
Soft bristles provide a gentle yet effective cleaning experience, enabling you to efficiently remove plaque and debris without causing harm to your teeth or gums.
Think about it, the point of brushing your teeth is to remove food particles that are stuck in between your teeth. A toothbrush with hard bristles can potentially damage the protective tooth enamel and irritate the sensitive gum tissues.
Summary: One important factor to consider when choosing the right bamboo toothbrush to clean your teeth is the softness of its bristle. Prioritizing using a toothbrush with soft bristles to help remove food particles that are stuck in between your teeth. If the bristles are too stiff, they will hurt your gums and cause gingival abrasion.
Selecting the appropriate toothbrush size is an often overlooked aspect of oral care. However, it plays a crucial role in ensuring effective brushing and maintaining optimal dental health.
If you have a small mouth, choose a toothbrush with a small head.
If you have a large mouth, choose a toothbrush with a large head.
Reason? It simply works that way. If you have a small mouth and you choose a toothbrush with a large head, it won't fit your mouth and could cause harm to your gum while brushing.
Summary: Pick a toothbrush that fits your mouth size is important since it can greatly affect the quality of your brushing. Having the right toothbrush size will allow you to clean the top, front, and back of your teeth with the greatest reach for maximum cleaning.
Choosing the right toothbrush can be overwhelming since there are so many options available. It's hard to know which one is best, but the first step to taking good care of your teeth is to choose the right toothbrush to brush.
There is 2 type of toothbrush available in the market for you to choose from, the manual toothbrush and the electric toothbrush. Some people may not like the vibrating feeling of a powered toothbrush, while others might find an electric toothbrush are easier to use.
Additionally, the handle should be long enough to hold comfortably and allow for proper maneuverability. By selecting a toothbrush that fits your mouth size, you can ensure thorough cleaning and promote optimal oral health.
Ecopify Bamboo Toothbrush design has followed the trend of light and airy. So the bamboo toothbrush feels just like a traditional plastic toothbrush and doesn't need more care than the standard plastic version.
Summary: You have to brush your teeth at least twice a day, so make sure your toothbrush is comfortable and easy to use. Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your hand and provides good control through cleaning, can enhance your brushing experience, and promote better oral health.
Brushing your teeth is a fundamental part of maintaining good oral health. Regular brushing helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that accumulate throughout the day, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, is highly recommended by many dental professionals.
Summary: I don't think I need to explain this one. We all know too well why we should brush our teeth twice a day. It doesn't matter whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush. I'm recommending you get into the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Link to Zhuzhijiang
Did you know that the average person's brushing time is about 45 seconds? That is not enough time for the fluoride in your toothpaste to attach to your tooth enamel.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Also, don't forget to brush your tongue (it's what causes bad breath).
Cleaning your tongue usually makes bad breath go away, but if it's still a problem, you may want to consult with a dentist.
Summary: Two minutes is the recommended duration for a toothbrushing session. And I would even recommend you to take an extra step and take three minutes to brush your teeth because we often mistake how long two minutes feel.
Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as traditional toothbrushes when used correctly. Also, brushing harder doesn't equal to cleaner teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a gentle motion so you don't damage your teeth and gums. A gentle brushing technique with short, circular strokes and minimal pressure is the way to go.
Another reason to don't brush too roughly is that it can wear out the bristles on your toothbrush much more quickly. (The average lifetime of a toothbrush is about 3 months)
Summary: The way you brush your teeth is very important. In fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all!
This one is too obvious, but again, a clean toothbrush is a safe toothbrush. Once you finish brushing your teeth, take some time to rinse your toothbrush off with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and bacteria still stuck on it.
Also, take an extra step if someone in your home is sick: The American Dental Association recommends you to throw away any toothbrush that comes into contact with the sick person to prevent the sickness from spreading.
Summary: Having the clean tool prepared can truly maximize your result, Make sure to rinse your toothbrush with water after you finish and before you use it again to effectively clean your teeth and maintain optimal oral health.
After you're finished rinsing your toothbrush, you'll want to shake off any excess water left on your toothbrush, then stand it upright to let it air dry.
Small Tip: You can minimize bacteria exposure by keeping it away from the toilet and making sure it doesn't touch any other toothbrushes in your toothbrush holder.
Another Small Tip: Place your toothbrush in a Toothbrush Case after it is completely dry can prevent bacteria to build upon your toothbrush when you travel. (A toothbrush container is ideal for travel because it protects your toothbrush from dirt and dust inside your luggage)
Summary: Most of us think that toothbrush doesn't need any special cleaning wizardry. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Just simply running it under tap water will not do the trick. If you take care of your toothbrush properly, you can maintain your bamboo toothbrush for up to 3 months before replacing it with a new one.
Sharing your toothbrush may seem harmless, but it can pose serious risks to both your oral health and overall well-being. Sharing your toothbrush could result in an exchange of bodily fluids and microorganisms between people, increasing the risk of infections and oral diseases.
If you don't have access to your toothbrush, don't use someone else's. Go buy a new one instead. And for whatever reason, you do end up using someone else's toothbrush, it is extremely important to clean it first.
Summary: Sharing toothbrushes could spread germs and bacteria. We don't recommend you to do it.
The average lifetime of a toothbrush is about 200 uses. After that, you'll need to switch your toothbrush because the bristles will be worn out and frayed.
If you don't replace your toothbrush often enough, the toothbrush bristle will start to have bacteria and fungus living on it. On top of that, there are other risks and uninviting issues involved with not replacing your toothbrush.
By prioritizing regular toothbrush replacement, you ensure that your teeth receive effective tooth cleaning and reduce the risk of bacterial build-up on your toothbrush.
Summary: Researchers have shown that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that is worn out, so before you brush again, ask yourself if your toothbrush is working its hardest to help your teeth clean and healthy? or whether it is time to switch to a new toothbrush.
In conclusion, using a bamboo toothbrush can be a significant step towards a more sustainable lifestyle while benefiting your oral health. By following these 10 tips on using a bamboo toothbrush, you can maximize its effectiveness and contribute to the overall health and well-being of your teeth.
Tip #1: Pick A Toothbrush That Has Soft Bristles (Medium Is Fine, But Don't Go Hard)
Tip #2: Pick A Toothbrush That Fits Your Mouth Size
Tip #3: Pick A Toothbrush That Is Easy To Use
Tip #4: Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Tip #5: Take Time To Brush Your Teeth
Tip #6: Don't Brush Too Roughly
Tip #7: Brush Your Teeth With A Clean Toothbrush
Tip #8: Store Your Toothbrush Upright
Tip #9: Don't Share Your Toothbrush
Tip #10: Replace Your Toothbrush Every Two To Three Months
Question #1: How do I use a bamboo toothbrush?
Answer: Simply use your bamboo toothbrush just like a traditional plastic toothbrush. They have the same functionality and doesn't need more care than the standard plastic version.
Question #2: How do I choose the right bamboo toothbrush?
Answer: To choose the right bamboo toothbrush for you, here are some factors to consider when choosing a bamboo toothbrush: The type of bristles, how comfortable is the handle, and their price.
Question #3: What is the oldest bamboo toothbrush ever?
Answer: According to Library Of Congress, the earliest toothbrush was invented during the 15th century in China, using bamboo and other natural materials.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Natural Bamboo Toothbrush.