The benefits of bamboo toothbrushes

Choosing to use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic toothbrush brings with it many benefits… even for your children!

Keep reading to discover 5 reasons why bamboo toothbrushes stand out from the rest when choosing the right toothbrush for your baby.

1. They are BPA free

Hygiene and safety is first and foremost the most important thing any parent considers when it comes to choosing products for their babies. And this is still the case when it comes to dental hygiene. By choosing a bamboo toothbrush for your baby, you are eliminating the risk of them coming into contact with BPA (sometimes found in plastic toothbrush bristles). According to Mayo Clinic, BPA, also known as Bisphenol-A, “is a concern due to the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children, as well as having an effect on children’s behaviour. Studies also show a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes”. Natural bamboo toothbrushes are generally made with soft nylon bristles, which are not only BPA-free, but are also rigid enough to get in between your baby's teeth and remove anything that might have built up. At the same time, because of their softness, you can have peace of mind that they won’t damage your baby’s delicate gums or enamel, like some plastic toothbrushes could.

2. They are naturally antimicrobial

As well as being BPA free, bamboo toothbrushes are naturally antimicrobial, meaning properties inside the bamboo kill bacteria. Unlike plastic toothbrushes, you can rest assured that no harmful bacteria will grow and spread on the handle of your baby's toothbrush.

3. They are environmentally friendly

Of course we can’t talk about bamboo toothbrushes without highlighting just how environmentally friendly they are, meaning you won’t be polluting the world with plastic waste every time you have to get your baby a new toothbrush (every three months!). By choosing a zero-waste bamboo toothbrush for your baby, you are also reducing the amount of fossil fuels in the atmosphere. This is because the plastic toothbrush handles are made from polypropylene plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels, and therefore fuelling the industry responsible for climate change and global warming. Plastic toothbrushes are also not biodegradable, and are in fact very difficult to recycle, meaning they stay on our planet, clogging our seas and filling our already overfilled landfill. The handle of a bamboo toothbrush, however, is fully compostable and biodegradable, and will safely return to the soil within 4-6 months. You can also reuse your bamboo toothbrush for other things, such as fuel for your fireplace, plant labels or tile cleaners.

4. They are a sustainable product

Bamboo toothbrushes are also a sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes because bamboo is one of the world's fastest-growing plants. In fact, some grow at a rate of 1.5 inches/hr with no fertiliser! And since bamboo is a renewable resource, it can keep doing this forever. On the other hand, the petroleum used to make plastic is a limited resource and will eventually run out. The production of bamboo toothbrushes is also sustainable, as the handles are usually handcrafted with minimal use of electronic machinery, unlike a plastic toothbrush which is produced in a factory, using a number of machines to make the finished product.

5. They are easy to use

Last but certainly not least, as well as being safe for your children and of course great for the environment, bamboo toothbrushes also make your life easier, too. With the majority of bamboo toothbrushes featuring a curved easy grip ergonomic handle, you will be able to hold the toothbrush comfortably, reaching all teeth (even those at the back).

How To Safely Brush Your Baby's Teeth With A Bamboo Toothbrush:

1. Make sure your baby is sitting or standing comfortable and you are supervising

2. Hold the toothbrush at approximately 45 degrees and make sure the bristles are pointing slightly above your baby's teeth (around where they meet the gums).

3. With a toothpaste of your choice, brush your baby's teeth in a gentle circular motion.

Written by Kate, on behalf of Brush Fresh Co - the UK's Dental Experts Providing eco-friendly dental care