Plastic Toothbrush Vs. Bamboo Toothbrush: Which Is Better? - Ecopify

When it comes to choosing the best toothbrush for brushing your teeth, plastic toothbrushes and bamboo toothbrushes are both popular choices. However, there are some key differences between the two materials.

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Plastic toothbrushes offer convenience, affordability, and excellent teeth-cleaning capabilities, but bamboo toothbrushes are made from a sustainable, biodegradable, and naturally antimicrobial material that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.

So, how do you determine which type of toothbrush is better for your health? In this blog post, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of both plastic toothbrushes and bamboo toothbrushes to help you decide which one is right for you.

The Advantages Of Using Plastic Toothbrushes

Plastic toothbrushes are the most common type of toothbrush on the market, and for good reason. They offer a number of advantages, including:

• Convenience: Plastic toothbrushes are easy to find in most stores. This makes them convenient for people who don't have time to look for or order a bamboo toothbrush online.
• Affordability: Because plastic is often the cheapest material to produce. Plastic toothbrushes are typically less expensive than other types of toothbrushes, which makes them a good option for people on a budget.
• Effectiveness: Because they are made from durable nylon bristles that can reach into all areas of the mouth. Plastic toothbrushes are effective at cleaning and removing plaque on your teeth.
• Durability: Plastic toothbrushes are durable and can last for several months with proper care. Heck, plastic can last for hundreds of years in the landfill before biodegrading. This shouldn't mean that you don't have to replace their toothbrushes.
• Variety: Plastic toothbrushes are widely common and affordable, which makes them available in a variety of styles and features, such as different head shapes, bristle types, and handle designs.

Summary: Overall, plastic toothbrushes are inexpensive and widely available. They can easily be found in your local convenience store with a variety of styles and colors. Plastic toothbrushes are also durable and can last for several months before needing to be replaced.

Photo: © Taborsk via Getty Images

The Disadvantages Of Using Plastic Toothbrushes

While plastic toothbrushes offer many advantages, they also come with significant disadvantages that can no longer be ignored. Let's delve into the health and environmental drawbacks of using plastic toothbrushes.

• Environmental Impact: Plastic toothbrushes contribute to plastic pollution. According to a report by National Geographic, more than 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States alone.
• Microplastic Pollution: When plastic toothbrushes are discarded, they break down into microplastics. These tiny plastic fragments are nearly impossible to clean up and can be ingested by many animals and humans.
• Toxic Contamination: Plastic toothbrushes contain harmful chemicals that can potentially leach, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Both have been linked to various health issues, including hormone disruption and developmental problems in children.
• Lack Of Sustainability: Plastic toothbrushes are not sustainable because they are made from a non-renewable resource, and they often take hundreds of years to decompose.

You can learn more with this blog post: The Problem With Plastic Toothbrush

Summary: Plastic toothbrushes are not biodegradable or compostable. They can end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. Plastic toothbrushes can also contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, which can leach while brushing.

Photo: © Angelika Mostova via Getty Images

The Advantages Of Using Bamboo Toothbrushes

As you may already know, bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They are specifically designed to have all the good advantages of plastic toothbrushes while leaving the harmful disadvantages of plastic toothbrushes behind.

Here are some of the advantages of using bamboo toothbrushes:

• Antimicrobial: Bamboo naturally has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria penetrating its surface, providing long-lasting protection against harmful bacteria.
• Biodegradable and Compostable: Another advantage of using bamboo toothbrushes is their biodegradability. Made from renewable resource, bamboo can be decomposed just as fast as a branch of a tree.
• Effective Cleaning: Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective at cleaning teeth as plastic toothbrushes because they both use the same nylon bristle. They can remove plaque and bacteria, which can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Durable: Bamboo toothbrushes are durable and can last 3-4 months before needing to be replaced. This means that you only need to replace them around 4 time per year.

Summary: Bamboo-based toothbrush eliminates unnecessary waste while giving you the same quality of cleaning that a plastic brush can offer. Made from a renewable resource, they're a sustainable choice that contributes to a healthier planet without compromising on your dental hygiene needs.

Photo: © katrinshine via canva.com

The Disadvantages Of Using Bamboo Toothbrushes

No material or product is ever going to be entirely perfect when it comes to sustainability, and toothbrushes made from bamboo are no exception to that rule. With many advantages that come with using a bamboo toothbrush, it's important to also notice some disadvantages.

• Limited Availability: Bamboo toothbrushes are not as widely available as plastic toothbrushes, and you may need to shop online or at specialty stores to find them.
• More Expensive: Bamboo toothbrushes can be more expensive than plastic toothbrushes. However, the price difference is shrinking as bamboo toothbrushes become more popular.

Overall, bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. However, it is important to be aware of these 2 disadvantages before making a purchase.

Summary: Bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable option, but they are not without their drawbacks. Be aware of the limited availability and higher cost of bamboo toothbrushes before making a purchase that aligns with your sustainability goals and lifestyle.

Quick Takeaway

If you are concerned about the environmental impact and looking for a sustainable toothbrush, bamboo toothbrushes are a good option. However, if you are on a budget and want an inexpensive and widely available toothbrush, then a plastic toothbrush may be a better option.

In summary, both plastic toothbrushes and bamboo toothbrushes are as durable and effective at brushing teeth and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best type of toothbrush for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: Which type of toothbrush is more effective at cleaning teeth?

Answer: Both plastic and bamboo toothbrushes are equally effective at cleaning teeth because they both use the same nylon for the bristles. Just make sure you use the correct brushing technique and replace them regularly (every 2-3 months).

Question #2: Which toothbrushes are more affordable?

Answer: Plastic toothbrushes are typically more affordable than bamboo toothbrushes because plastic is often the cheapest material to produce. However, the price difference is not significant.

Question #3: Which are more sustainable and better for the environment?

For more information, please visit Natural Bamboo Handle Toothbrush.

Answer: Bamboo toothbrushes are more sustainable than plastic toothbrushes because they are made from bamboo, a renewable resource that grows and regrow quickly. Bamboo toothbrushes are also biodegradable, while plastic toothbrushes take hundreds of years to decompose in the landfill.

Question #4: Are electric toothbrushes better than both manual toothbrushes?

Last updated May 7, .

So, I recently switched to a bamboo toothbrush for my oral hygiene routine and am convinced that everyone needs to do the same. Opting for a green alternative like bamboo rather than your normal toothbrush is not only easier on your wallet, but can massively reduce your plastic consumption and carbon footprint. And it’s so easy, too.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made conscious strides to live a more minimalist and, subsequently, sustainable lifestyle and go green where I can. I used to religiously carry plastic water bottles everywhere I go. Now, I can’t leave my apartment without my reusable bottle. My stainless steel straws are pretty much a staple in my handbag or backpack and follow me during my travels. I also got rid of my car and rely on walking or carpooling these days. It’s taken several baby steps, but the progress is definitely there.

I was a frequent traveler before the COVID-19 outbreak and accustomed to having to pack and unpack clothes and travel essentials 1-3 times per month. The constant making sure I packed the charger for my electric toothbrush everywhere I went, worrying about plugging it into international ports, and the fact that it took up major space in my toiletries bag were minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things.

I was using energy to power a freakin’ toothbrush, not to mention the pricy replaceable, and very plastic, heads. There has to be a better way. And as a first-generation Nigerian American whose parents’ and descendants’ dental hygiene consisted of using chewing sticks, I really should have known better. This was another part of my daily routine that needed to go green. Considering I now know how simple the alternative was and how easy it was to switch, I’m baffled that it took me so long.

Why you should switch to a bamboo toothbrush

You might be wondering what a bamboo toothbrush is and what it looks like exactly. Bamboo toothbrushes are plastic-free alternatives to traditional toothbrushes and aren’t too far off from their plastic counterpart. Their handles are made of all-natural bamboo and are completely recyclable.

The brustles on a bamboo toothbrush vary, depending on dental needs or simply personal preferences. Mine has charcoal-lined BPA-free nylon bristles (recyclable) that are supposed to bind plaque and other bacteria as well as whiten the teeth. They’re a bit on the softer side considering other options like bamboo bristles and boar hair, but it gets the job done for me.

The number one reason to switch to a bamboo toothbrush is to reduce plastic consumption. People are always stunned when I bring up the fact that every single toothbrush they’ve ever used still exists and is sitting in a landfill somewhere. 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States, which amounts to 50 million pounds of waste annually. It takes plastic hundreds of years to breakdown, so it sits in landfills.

I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that cost factored into my decision as well. My electric toothbrush itself was about $60 with three replacement heads costing at least $20. Not to mention that I had to charge my electric toothbrush at least once a week. Eek. A pack of bamboo toothbrushes costs anywhere from $7 to $15 depending on the brand and quality, and because many of them are packs of four, it’s a once-per-year investment.

Advantages of switching to a bamboo toothbrush

It’s eco-friendly

The biggest advantage of switching to a bamboo toothbrush is that it reduces your plastic use immediately. Bamboo is biodegradable and can easily be disposed of. Depending on the type of bamboo toothbrush you have, the bristles may or may not be recyclable. My nylon bristles are super tiny and will have to go in the trash rather than recycling. Even so, the waste is equally super tiny compared to throwing away plastic and electric toothbrushes. As for the handle, you can break it down to pieces and compost it in your yard. It’ll be gone within six months.

Naturally antimicrobial

Did you know that bamboo is a natural antimicrobial? It’s kind of like why some cutting boards are often made of bamboo. They naturally keep surfaces clean. So, you don’t have to worry about your brush getting nasty or full of organisms. As long as you keep it dry.

Sustainably-grown

Bamboo is a natural plant that’s fully biodegradable. The hands-down coolest thing about bamboo, however, is that it’s one of the fastest-growing plants in the world with certain species able to grow up to four feet per DAY, and that’s without any kind of fertilizer or special soil. This makes it an extremely sustainable and renewable resource.

Mobility

Traveling with my electric toothbrush and its charger cable was becoming an absolute pain in the butt. And don’t get me started on how many times I forgot my charger altogether and was stuck with a dead toothbrush. First world problems, amirite? Packing a bamboo toothbrush is literally as simple as tossing it in my toiletry bag or backpack and carrying on with my travel plans.

Aesthetics

As someone who’s very much into the less-is-more aesthetic, the bamboo toothbrush absolutely fits my vibe. Bamboo toothbrushes look super minimal and are design-friendly as they pretty much go with everything.

Disadvantages

So, I initially outlined this article a few months ago and had “the bamboo rubbing against my mouth feels weird”, and that was very true at the time. It just didn’t feel slippery and smooth compared to my former plastic heads.

Funnily enough, I don’t even notice or feel it now. I had an “oh yeah, it was weird!” kinda moment when I thought about it but I can gladly say it’s just like using another toothbrush now. I actually prefer my “boo brush” and think it cleans better than my old toothbrushes. Or maybe I’m more enthusiastic about brushing now that I’m helping the planet.

All this to say, I’m five months in and no disadvantages to report. Zero-waste brushing is very much here to stay for me. As long as you keep in mind that the feel of the bamboo will take some very minor getting used to, you’re good to go.

Where to buy a bamboo toothbrush

EcoRoots is becoming one of my favorite zero-waste lifestyle brands. I recently bought a safety razor from them (which I’ll be reviewing soon). I love that they’re a women-focused small business and all of their packaging is recyclable or compostable. So, I was pleased to learn they sell bamboo toothbrushes as well. Their bristles are soft, BPA-free, and non-toxic, making it a great option for newbies. As an affiliate, I do earn a commission for any purchases you make on the store, but I think you’ll be pleased as I am with the quality of their eco-friendly alternatives.

So, ready to give bamboo toothbrushes a try? Be sure to leave comments below on how the toothbrush works out for you and subscribe to my newsletter for more lifestyle tips and updates!

Don’t forget to check out my article, 9 Simple Ways To Kickstart A More Sustainable Lifestyle This Year, for more ways to go green!

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