Discardable toothbrushes have brought dentists and patients a significant amount of convenience to our world. Plastic toothbrushes are easily cleanable, they’re commercially easy to produce, and for many families, they can come in bright, fun colors to encourage better hygiene for children and adults. However, when the sustainability question pops up, plastic toothbrushes also bring an extensive amount of harm to our environments. Plastic as a commodity has created a pretty negative impact on our landfills and oceans, and because of how often they are discarded, these products aren’t environmentally safe. However, if you’re looking for more sustainable options for brushing your teeth, we’ll provide you with some of the best solutions we have for more environmentally-friendly brushing.
Toothbrush Options For Sustainable Brushing
So, when it comes to oral care, what do you choose? Here’s our list of recommended toothbrushes that you can use to keep your teeth healthy while also caring for the environment:
- Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes give more convenience for any user, allowing for easy cleaning without the manual aspect of brushing. Although the heads need to be replaced every three to four months, the amount of plastic thrown away is significantly reduced, and these toothbrushes have the ADA seal of acceptance.
- RADIUS Brand Toothbrushes: The RADIUS brand has developed a toothbrush that comes in a unique design, containing large handles and a wide brush head. These design factors are made to reduce chronic bleeding and slow the progression of bleeding gums. This brand of toothbrushes received the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and as for the sustainable part, it’s made from cellulose sourced from sustainable yield trees.
- Bamboo Toothbrushes: Although not containing the ADA seal of acceptance, dentists have begun to recommend bamboo toothbrushes for their highly sustainable sourcing and ergonomic design. Bamboo toothbrushes are often made with soft bristles ethically sourced, and depending on the brand of your choice, these toothbrushes may make your oral care even better.
Choosing The Right Toothbrush For You
50 million lbs of plastic toothbrushes are discarded each year, creating an insurmountable amount of waste that impacts our environment severely. However, one of the biggest problems presented to people who pay attention to their oral health is following ADA recommended sources for caring for their teeth. The ADA recommends that toothbrushes get replaced every three to four months, as the bristles for those toothbrushes can cause damage to your teeth and gums, causing conditions such as gum recession and enamel erosion. When it comes to paying attention to the ADA Seal of Acceptance, the ADA has only recently accepted powered toothbrushes as a form of oral care within the last few years. Overall, the best place to get recommendations is to speak with your dentist about the most affordable and environmentally stable solution.
