We all know the importance of keeping our smile clean and sparkling, but have you ever stopped to consider that the materials in your toothbrush may be dirtier than the plaque it’s used to clean? There are toxic secrets hiding in conventional (and even eco-friendly) toothbrushes that could be impacting your health. It’s time to uncover the truth about toxic toothbrush materials and explore non-toxic options that promote a healthier smile and happier planet.
So, what are most conventional toothbrushes made of? Below are the hidden hazards in your toothbrush:
BPA (Bisphenol A): Most conventional toothbrushes are made from plastic containing BPA, which is a chemical linked to hormone disruption, especially in children and pregnant women, and possibly causes reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health concerns. [1]
Phthalates: Softening agents like phthalates can often be found in toothbrush materials. [2] Similar to BPA, phthalates can interfere with hormonal balance, impacting fertility and development, and have been associated with various other health risks. [3]
Polypropylene: Materials in some toothbrushes may contain polypropylene, which is derived from hydrocarbon fuels like petroleum oil. [4] Though polypropylene is a safer plastic than others, chemicals found in plastic products have proved to contribute to some cancers, reproductive problems, hormone imbalances, and more. [5]
Not only are many conventional toothbrushes harmful to human health, they also have many environmental consequences. Almost all traditional toothbrushes are made out of plastic, which means the production and disposal of them contribute to plastic waste and pollution on a regular basis. This negatively impacts the planet by releasing toxic chemicals into the environment as toothbrushes slowly become microplastics, filling the earth with non-biodegradable waste. [6]
Top Non-Toxic Toothbrush Options
Due to the health hazards and environmental pollution linked to many conventional toothbrushes, it’s clear that it is time for a non-toxic dental revolution. Below are safer toothbrush alternatives that are made with sustainable and non-toxic materials.
Gaia Guy offers a natural and renewable resource based bamboo toothbrush that’s free of nylon and petroleum. The natural boar bristles are carefully harvested and then boiled to make them straighter and hygienic, making it one of the only actual natural bristle toothbrushes on the market. If you require soft bristles for brushing, try running the toothbrush under hot water for a few minutes before the first use to achieve desired softness. I reached out to learn more about the toothbrush handles. The handles are made from solid pieces of bamboo with no finishings or coatings, just the raw bamboo. The bristles and handle are compostable, creating eco-friendly end of life disposal and an all around plastic-free toothbrush. There are size options for both adults and kids.
For a vegan, plant-based toothbrush, the ZeroWasteStore offers a decent option. I followed up with them to learn more. Their toothbrush is made of a raw bamboo handle with no harmful finishes or coatings. The bristles are made of castor bean oil (not the best material as it's inherently a form of nylon) with staples holding the bristles in place. However, this bamboo toothbrush is technically compostable (minus the staples, which are recyclable). Also, they confirmed that their toothbrush is free of BPA and BPS (Bisphenol S).
Available on their website.
If you're looking for a non-toxic electric toothbrush, the Zen Bamboo toothbrush is one of the better options on the market. Electric toothbrushes are challenging when it comes to using non-toxic and eco-conscious materials, so I reached out to Sustainable Tomorrow to learn more about their toothbrush. The brush head is made of 100% non-GMO bamboo that is raw and not finished with any coatings (safer than toothbrushes with plastic heads). The bristles are BPA free and made of castor bean oil, which is essentially nylon in disguise and it is not very environmentally friendly with regards to production. [7] The handle is made with plastic materials, but it is reusable since only the brush head gets changed every few months, helping eliminate waste. Currently, their bamboo electric toothbrush is a safer option than many other conventional electric toothbrushes made of only plastics, but it still has shortcomings.
Available on their website.
Many eco-friendly toothbrush options utilize bamboo material, and bamboo toothbrush benefits are numerous. However, keep in mind that most eco-friendly alternatives still use nylon or plastic bristles, so be sure when shopping around that the toothbrush description specifically states what the bristles are made of so that you can avoid unwanted and synthetic materials. Also, labels with “plant-based materials” doesn’t mean non-toxic as they can still be just as harmful as conventional plastics. [8] Choose a toothbrush from a company that is transparent about their product materials, labeled as BPA and phthalate-free, and make sure the handle is made with a safe material like bamboo to allow for a safer brushing experience.
*Discuss toothbrush options with your dentist to ensure proper oral care.
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