Since most dental professionals recommend getting a new toothbrush every three or four months, the average person will go through several in just a few years. Finding an environmentally friendly toothbrush is one more important thing you can do to help the planet. The following are six types of green toothbrushes that are great for your teeth as well as the planet!
1. Biodegradable Toothbrushes
A biodegradable toothbrush will be able to naturally decompose. Some toothbrushes claim to be completely biodegradable while others feature parts of the brush, such as the bristles, as being biodegradable.
2. Wooden Toothbrushes
There are different types of wood that can be used for toothbrushes, including beechwood. Wooden toothbrushes are great options, especially if they are made from wood that is sustainably grown and harvested. Bamboo is a natural material that is currently popular for people who want an environmentally friendly toothbrush. Bamboo is technically not wood, but is considered plant-based. There are different bamboo species, so brushes can be made with this material without taking the type that pandas eat.
3. Aluminum Toothbrushes
Aluminum toothbrushes are touted as basically lasting “forever.” These toothbrushes have an aluminum base with heads that are compostable. You can switch the heads regularly without any guilt. Users can count on reducing their footprint while still maintaining a high level of dental care.
4. Wind-up Toothbrushes
If you feel you just can’t give up your electric toothbrush but still want to be eco-friendly, there is an alternative. There’s currently a toothbrush on the market that doesn’t include any batteries or motors but still delivers a cleaning that rivals an electric toothbrush. It operates by using a wind-up process to convert energy. After it has been wound up, the toothbrush head will vibrate similarly to an electric brush.
5. Recycled Toothbrushes
You can also choose a toothbrush that’s made from a variety of recycled materials. Lots of different materials can be recycled, including wood and paper. While plastic is often seen as extremely detrimental to the environment, if it’s continually recycled, you might want to consider this option. There are companies that will send you a new toothbrush along with a stamped envelope so you can keep sending the old brushes to be recycled.
6. Neem Stick
If you want something that is completely compostable, you might want to try the neem stick. It’s also referred to as the chew stick. These brushes come from a neem tree which grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. You nibble the stick into a tip and then trim the tip each time before you brush.
When looking for an environmentally friendly toothbrush, make sure to do your research. There are plenty of options available to keep your teeth sparkling clean while also helping the environment!
