Are zero waste toothbrushes as good as regular toothbrushes?
Regular brushing is a healthy habit. So is switching to a new toothbrush once the old one becomes frayed or after 3-4 months.
But there's growing concern about the plastic waste left behind. Plastic doesn’t decompose. So the plastic toothbrush you’ve discarded years ago may still be around, somehow, somewhere.
If every person uses around 3-4 toothbrushes a year, that would account for billions of toothbrush waste annually. Zero waste toothbrushes are eco-friendly alternatives that aim to reduce this. You might have seen them already during your last grocery or pharmacy run.
Are they as good as regular toothbrushes? How are they different from a regular plastic toothbrush? Let’s answer these questions in this post.
What’s a zero-waste toothbrush?
Zero-waste toothbrushes aim to lessen the negative impact of single-use, plastic toothbrushes. They're made of compostable materials, such as bamboo, or reusable options, such as aluminum.
Most toothbrushes today are composed of plastic and aren’t recyclable. Eco-friendly brushes can help generate lower waste if disposed of properly.
Does a zero-waste toothbrush work as well as a typical plastic toothbrush?
Zero-waste toothbrushes are as effective as traditional plastic toothbrushes. The difference is they're made to be friendlier to the environment.
While not all zero-waste toothbrushes are 100% compostable, they generally use less plastic. The handles and bristles are often biodegradable too.
Some are also designed to aid with mouth cleaning. For example, you'll find bamboo toothbrushes with smaller heads. This offers better reach and coverage for the back areas of the mouth.
What are the benefits of using eco-friendly toothbrushes?
Here are some of the potential benefits of switching to eco-friendly toothbrushes:
- Biodegradable. Eco-friendly toothbrushes may be ideal for those who want to take their part in caring for the environment. The brushes often come in biodegradable packaging too. You can keep peace of mind when tossing them into the recyclables, knowing they break down naturally.
- Natural. Zero-waste toothbrushes are usually made from bamboo. Bamboo is easy to grow, unlike typical wood. It’s known as one of the fastest-growing plants. It takes approximately 3 years for bamboo to establish itself, compared to standard trees which take about 10-40 years to fully grow.
- Sustainable. Bamboo can thrive on its own and need little to no fertilization or pesticide. Aside from bamboo toothbrushes, manufacturers are also exploring other materials and designs, such as reusable handles made of aluminum.
How eco-friendly are zero-waste toothbrushes?
Zero-waste toothbrushes don’t mean 100% waste-free. And according to recent research, the solution to single-use plastic brushes may not be bamboo toothbrushes, after all.
Proper disposal is another aspect to look into in the attempt to be more eco-friendly. A bamboo toothbrush can go into the recyclables only after the nylon bristles are removed. Checking out recycling programs for plastic toothbrushes in your area may also help.
But if you’re seeking greener oral healthcare products, biodegradable and reusable toothbrushes can be a good starting point. These toothbrushes are available in different designs and sizes to accommodate all family members.
Will a bamboo toothbrush clean my teeth better?
A bamboo toothbrush or any zero-waste toothbrush works the same way a typical plastic toothbrush would. The use of it alone doesn't guarantee a better mouth clean.
Your brushing practices are more important than the tools you're using. Paying attention to all areas of the mouth remains essential. And daily flossing is still crucial to remove debris in areas the toothbrush cannot reach, such as tight spaces between teeth.
Should I switch to zero-waste toothbrushes?
There’s nothing wrong with trying new oral care products, but consider talking to your dentist first to know which type of toothbrush is suitable for you.
Aside from doing your part in reducing plastic waste, you’ll want an option that feels comfortable in the mouth and is easy to hold.
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