Natural Dental Care
Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Safe – We Reveal All
Bamboo toothbrushes are now common place in the market but many people are still concerned about making the switch from plastic. I know when made the switch the most important thing I wanted to know was are bamboo toothbrushes safe?
I did some research to make sure I was making the right decision and it turns out that toothbrushes made from bamboo, whether you choose a manual or electric brush, are safe to use however there are some things that you should do to not only look after your brush but also to make sure it remains safe for you to use.
Let’s explore this a little further.
What is a Bamboo Toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional toothbrushes. The handles of the brush are made out of natural bamboo and so clearly they use less plastic than other toothbrush brands.
Bamboo is a type of grass that grows quickly and can be harvested in a relatively short time. Bamboo also has antibacterial properties, which make it a good material for making toothbrushes.
Bamboo toothbrushes are one of the most popular bamboo products on the market today and it is now produced by several companies worldwide with the aim of helping the environment, reducing waste, and saving money for consumers who care about sustainability.
Different Types of Bamboo Toothbrush
The first bamboo toothbrushes only came in a manual option.
Most dentists agree that they are not as effective as electric brushes but they are still a great option for those who do not want to use an electric option and/or be more eco-friendly.
Electric bamboo toothbrushes have a battery to power them and they come with heads that can be replaced when they wear out. It should be noted that most electric bamboo toothbrushes are not made from 100% bamboo. Generally the handles are made from recycled plastic and of course the electrical parts are made of various other materials with the replacement heads being made from bamboo
Electric bamboo toothbrushes do have the added advantage of reducing your impact on the environment as the handle does not need replacing regularly.
Fayet Bamboo Electric Toothbrush
Eco Panda Store
Bamboo Toothbrush Bristles
It’s worth noting that the bristles on most electric or manual bamboo toothbrushes are made of either nylon or animal hair. When you do get to the point of discarding either the brush of the head you should look to recycle your bamboo toothbrush in the right way.
What Are the Benefits of Using Bamboo Toothbrush?
Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource that doesn’t pollute the environment like plastic toothbrushes do. Bamboo also has antibacterial properties, which can help with reducing cavities and gingivitis.
Bamboo is also more durable than plastic, so it won’t cause damage to the bristles or break easily when used over time.
The Importance of a Hygienic Toothbrush
The toothbrush is an important tool in your hygiene routine. It helps you to clean your teeth, tongue and gums. If you don’t keep it clean, it can gather nasties such as bacteria and mould.
Bacteria can come from the area in which the brush is kept or from your mouth itself.
For general health reasons it is important wherever possible to avoid putting bacteria in your mouth.
It’s important to note that a hygienic toothbrush is important not only for bamboo toothbrushes but for toothbrushes made from any material, whether manual or electric.
Mould and Toothbrushes
Mould on toothbrushes is actually more common than you think and can be a cause of illness amongst users.
When we think about bamboo toothbrushes being unsafe this is probably the biggest concern that most people have.
Generally mould builds up on toothbrushes that are left for a period of time in humid conditions such as a shower or bath room.
Bamboo is a natural choice for toothbrushes because it is antibacterial and helps fight against the effects of mould
How to Keep Your Bamboo Toothbrush Safe
Here are some steps you can take to keep your bamboo toothbrush safe for use:
- Rinse out your brush after every use
- Between uses make sure your toothbrush is left dry and avoid leaving your bamboo toothbrush in standing water after brushing
- Store your bamboo toothbrush with its bristles up so that moisture does not get trapped inside them
- Invest in a suitable toothbrush holder
- Regularly wash your bamboo toothbrush with hot soapy water and leave to dry thoroughly
- Always check the use by dates on your toothpaste and avoid using out of date paste
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
- If you do decide to stop using your bamboo toothbrush, clean it with hot soapy water, leave to dry thoroughly and then store it away in and airtight container.
Common FAQs
Disadvantages of bamboo toothbrush
There aren’t many disadvantages of a bamboo toothbrushes however if cost is important to you then bamboo toothbrushes can be more expensive than the plastic alternatives. In addition the bristles on most bamboo toothbrushes are made from nylon and whilst this is the same for most toothbrushes and therefore not really a disadvantage the concept of a fully biodegradable toothbrush is not commonplace amongst manufacturers.
Are bamboo toothbrushes good for the environment
Bamboo toothbrushes are a good alternative to plastic ones because they are biodegradable and don’t take much effort to be recycled. In addition bamboo is a sustainable and renewable crop making it ideal as a material for making consumer goods.
Conclusion
Are bamboo toothbrushes safe is a question we get asked quite regularly and so if you’ve been pondering this question before making the switch to a bamboo toothbrush then I hope I’ve gone some way to giving you the confidence to do so.
Bamboo toothbrushes are really no less safe than plastic toothbrushes as long as the are kept in good condition and stored correctly between uses.
All you need to do now is to choose between a manual and electric bamboo toothbrush!
I’d love to here from you, have you recently made the switch to a bamboo toothbrush, if so did you go for manual or electric. Are you still unsure about changing to a bamboo brush.
Let me know in the comments below.
