As much as we want to promote alternatives to plastics, there is still some balancing needed between health benefits and environmental costs. When it comes to oral hygiene, the choice of toothbrush bristles can make a significant impact on your dental health. There are a few bio-based bristle options that have come to market, however in this case plastic-based bristles are still the best choice. Bamboo-handled toothbrushes with plastic bristles are, so far, the best combination between being eco-friendly and maintaining dental health. Here's why:
Plastic Bristles: Durability and Effectiveness
Bamboo toothbrushes with plastic toothbrush bristles are effective at removing plaque and debris from teeth an under gum line. They are also durable and long-lasting. Unfortunately, so far, bio-based bristles tend to break and fray easily, reducing the integrity of your toothbrush in shorter time.
Hygiene and Safety
Since plastic bristles are non-porous, they are less likely to trap and grow bacteria than bio-based alternatives. The mouth is full of bacteria so reducing the ability of bacteria to cling to and grow on your toothbrush bristles is one key component to improving and maintaining oral health.
Creating an Ecobrick for Nylon or PBT Bristles
While plastic bristles offer numerous benefits, they also add to the plastic waste sitting in landfills and elsewhere. We can reduce the environmental impact of these small, non-recyclable plastic pieces, by figuring out other ways to dispose of them. One eco-friendly solution is to create an ecobrick. An ecobrick is made using a plastic bottle filled with tightly packed plastic pieces. Adding toothbrush bristles to one is a perfect way to put them to use and keep them from ending up in landfills or oceans.
By choosing plastic toothbrush bristles over bio-based alternatives, THEN taking steps to properly dispose of them, you can prioritize your dental health while also being mindful of the environment. Even better is choosing a toothbrush with a bamboo handle so you can compost the majority of the toothbrush. All choices come with a cost, but being mindful of the choice you make can help promote personal and global well-being, while working towards a sustainable future.