Did you know, more than 150 million discarded in India are added to massive waste piles every month? While replacing plastics might be hard in some areas of our lives, replacing a toothbrush is something we all do quite often. So, before you buy a new toothbrush, let us find out which is best — bamboo or plastic.
Benefits of Using a Bamboo Toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular as an eco-friendly replacement for traditional plastic toothbrushes. There are many benefits of using them including the fact that they are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and soft on our gums and teeth.
Bamboo, which is a type of grass, is a bio-degradable material. So, once you think it's time to replace your bamboo toothbrush, you can cut it into small pieces and compost it. If you do not maintain a compost pile at home, you can also sustainably discard your used brush through a recycler or waste segregator/picker.
Another great benefit is that they are not harsh on our teeth. The bristles of a bamboo brush are usually malleable and do not break off as easily. This is in contrast to plastic toothbrushes, which can sometimes be too harsh on your gums.
So, if you're looking for a sustainable oral care option, consider switching to a bamboo toothbrush.
Why Plastic Toothbrushes Are Bad
Plastic takes centuries to degrade, and in the meantime, it pollutes the land and oceans. While toothbrushes are not single-use plastic, they still have a high volume of use. No wonder then, that India alone deals with more than 150 million discarded toothbrushes every month!
Moreover, the small plastic bristles of plastic toothbrushes have the potential to separate from the brush. They get into our water streams, where animals can eat them and they can get into the food chain. Coping with such microplastics is a major issue on a global scale.
Bamboo Toothbrush Vs. Plastic Toothbrush
When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are two main materials to choose from – bamboo or plastic. But which is best? Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of each type of toothbrush to help you make the best decision for your oral health.
Bamboo brushes are an environmentally sound option, as they are made from sustainable materials. They are also biodegradable, so you can simply compost your toothbrush at the end of its life.
They are often gentles than plastic ones, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive gums.
However, bamboo brushes can be more expensive than plastic toothbrushes. Brands that are making bamboo brushes usually provide adequate compensation to bamboo growers, and other stakeholders in the manufacturing chain. However, these days many companies such as Beco are selling bamboo charcoal toothbrushes at a highly pocket-friendly price point.
Another thing to keep in mind while using bamboo brushes is that they can soak up excess moisture if not stored properly. That is why it is important to store your bamboo brush on a dry shelf in your bathroom to help extend its life. Plastic toothbrushes too can harbor bacteria if not stored properly. So adequate storage is required for these as well.
Plastic toothbrushes, on the other hand, are not eco-friendly as they are made from non-renewable resources and are not biodegradable. Apart from hurting the environment, they can also at times hurt our oral health.
With repeated use, the bristles of a plastic toothbrush can start to splinter and hurt your gums and teeth. However, Beco's bamboo brush is 100% splinter-free and safe to use.
So, which one do you think is best – bamboo or plastic?
Best Eco-friendly, Sustainable Toothbrush Brand
So now that you have decided to try eco-friendly toothbrush, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when shopping for one.
Firstly, make sure the toothbrush you choose is 100% biodegradable. Some brands sell "sustainable" brushes that have plastic bristles or other non-biodegradable components. Avoid these!
Moreover, try to find a brush that is sold in eco-friendly packets, since buying a bamboo brush that comes in a plastic wrapper defeats the very purpose of eco-friendly oral care.
Beco's Bamboo Toothbrush
If you're looking for a toothbrush that's environmentally friendly, sustainable, and free of harmful plastics, Beco is the perfect brand for you.
Our bamboo-based toothbrushes are made with only natural materials like bamboo and cornstarch. While the bamboo handle helps prevent unsustainable waste, the charcoal-infused cornstarch bristles remove plaque and bacteria.
Beco's brushes are safe for children and adults, and can help you maintain your dental hygiene without leaving a negative footprint on the planet!
How to Care For Your Bamboo Toothbrush
Organic bamboo toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, just like regular toothbrushes. You can follow these simple steps to make the most of your bamboo brush while you're using it: -
- Rinse your brush thoroughly before and after use. Sometimes, toothpaste sticks to the brush handle, try to rinse it off as much as you can.
- Pat dry your bamboo brush before keeping it aside. This can help wipe off any excess moisture that may seep into the brush handle and damage it.
- You should also store your bamboo brush in a dry place. While bamboo brushes are finished with a natural coat to prevent them from retaining too much water, bamboo is still an absorbent material.
- Avoid using your bamboo brush on hard surfaces like stones or tiles. The natural bristles on a bamboo brush are soft and we don't want them to get damaged easily