The truth about your biodegradable bamboo toothbrush

By Dr Sandhiya Salim

It is 2020, and most of us are becoming more environment-friendly in our choices than ever before! With a large emphasis on taking care of the environment, many people are working towards reducing pollution and promoting recycling, cutting down on using single, disposable, and bio-degradable products. Along with protecting and nurturing our surroundings, there are plenty of things that can we do to play our part in caring for our planet Earth. One of which includes the way we brush our teeth that could have a positive impact.

Plastic toothbrushes take about 400 years to decompose completely. They end up getting up washed away into the ocean. Its little crushes pieces are consumed by fishes, endangering marine life. Bamboo toothbrushes have demonstrated to be a simple yet effective switch that can be made to take a step in the right direction hence proving to be eco-friendly, making the world a little greener.

How long do bamboo toothbrushes last?

Bamboo toothbrushes last for about three months which is just as long as standard plastic brushes provided that proper care has been taken or only when the bristles have worn out.

To ensure proper care for a bamboo toothbrush, it is essential to store it in a cool, dry area after use. And to maintain its longevity, wash and clean it thoroughly just like you would clean traditional toothbrushes.

How are bamboo toothbrushes eco-friendly?

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants with an impressive growth rate. It is known to have a natural anti-bacterial composition as well as being biodegradable. All of these reasons make it an ideal material to craft a toothbrush.

Conventional toothbrushes are composed of different types of plastics which cannot be recycled, and they take years to decompose ending up either in landfills or polluting oceans and having detrimental effects on marine life.

After the bamboo, bristles are worn out, and the brush is no longer usable for its primary purpose, it can also be utilized in many other creative ways such as using one as a plant marker in your garden.

What are the advantages of using bamboo toothbrushes?

Here is a list of some benefits of using bamboo toothbrushes:

• Easy to carry

As compared to electric toothbrushes, these toothbrushes are perfect for travel situations as there is no hassle with charging or carrying extra components for plugging them in. They can fit in any small pouch and are easy to maintain.

• Good for oral health

There is a range of bamboo toothbrushes available in the market and specifically the ones that have soft nylon bristles that are comparatively comfortable while brushing. The bristles are also steady. So they can effectively sweep bacteria and plaque around each tooth and helps to keep your teeth clean.

• Perfect choice for hygiene:

Bamboo toothbrushes have shown to be structurally stable for a reasonable amount of time and do not easily splinter. The anti-bacterial composition of bamboo makes it super-hygienic.

• Design and aesthetics:

These toothbrushes are incredibly stylish, unique, and classy. And available in different colours, designs, and multipacks making it perfect for kids and toddlers. Besides, they are also available in a family pack with various indicators on them and avoid mixing them up.

You can hand-pick a toothbrush in the same way you would select a plastic toothbrush keeping in mind some considerations, for example, the shape of the handle which should be comfortable to hold, the type of bristles, and the size of the head which should fit comfortably in your mouth.

In a word

To make a positive change to help the environment, it is wise to invest in a bamboo toothbrush for yourself as well as for your family. This can prove to be a proactive way of helping the planet. Moreover, it is a safe thing to switch to a more natural and healthy choice. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is keeping the atmosphere clean and saving our environment from further harm. Go green today.

-Dr Sandhiya Salim is a lecturer at Department of Community Dentistry, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences and can be reached at sandhiyaiqbal@gmail.com