Best Bamboo Toothbrushes For Eco-Friendly Oral Care

Are you planning to ditch your plastic toothbrush for a sustainable alternative? Or are you simply looking for a superior-quality, eco-friendly toothbrush?

Bamboo toothbrushes are just as practical (if not better) than plastic toothbrushes for oral care.

Let’s look at five of the best bamboo toothbrushes on our list and discuss the features to look for in these brushes. 

We’ll also list tips for caring for the brushes, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and properly disposing of them to protect our planet.

TL;DR - Best Bamboo Toothbrush Companies

We’ve prepared a quick list of our 5 best bamboo toothbrushes, which we shall compare in detail later in the blog.

1. BlauKe bamboo toothbrushes

2. Bamboozled bamboo toothbrushes

3. Colgate bamboo toothbrushes

4. Brush with Bamboo toothbrushes

5. GREENZLA bamboo toothbrushes

Dive into our BlauKe bathroom collection and get the perfect bamboo toothbrush for gentle, thorough cleaning. As a bonus, it adds a rustic charm to your bathroom and makes the environment a little better!

Why Bamboo Toothbrushes Are the Future?

So, why should you bother about bamboo toothbrushes?

Check out the reasons why bamboo toothbrushes are the future of oral care:

Low Carbon Footprint

Bamboo toothbrushes have a low carbon footprint. First, bamboo cultivation can trap up to 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare for 60 years, and second, processing these toothbrushes requires less energy. 

Thus, bamboo toothbrushes are surprisingly effective at fighting climate change and minimizing carbon footprint.

Easily Biodegradable and Compostable

Bamboo toothbrushes biodegrade naturally. While plastic toothbrushes take between 20 and 500 years to break down, bamboo brushes take 6 months. Therefore, bamboo is environmentally friendly, making it an excellent alternative to plastic toothbrushes.

Boasts Antimicrobial Properties

Bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties. It reduces the risk of bad breath and oral infections caused by harmful bacteria such as E. coli. You don’t need to worry about bacteria buildup on your bamboo toothbrush.

Reduce Plastic Waste

The average person changes their toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, resulting in billions of plastic toothbrushes being disposed of yearly, often ending in oceans and landfills. Switching to an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush is not just about following a trend; it also contributes to reducing plastic waste. 

Renewable Resource

Did you know? According to Guinness World Records, some bamboo types can grow sustainably (without excess water and pesticides) and fast (up to 35 inches daily). 

Plastic, however, is produced using a considerable amount of nonrenewable resources such as coal, crude oil, and natural gases. Therefore, bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable alternative.

Top Features to Look For in Bamboo Toothbrushes

Ready to buy your first bamboo toothbrush?

Let’s dive into the top features to look out for:

1. Ergonomic Handle: It should provide a comfortable grip and reduce strain when brushing difficult-to-clean areas.

2. Quality Bristles: Your toothbrush head should have quality bristles that efficiently clean your teeth and gums without causing issues such as bleeding.

3. Sustainable Packaging: To further support sustainability, look out for bamboo toothbrushes with zero-plastic or recyclable packaging.

4. Charcoal Infused Bristles: Charcoal in bristles not only enhances teeth whitening but also provides extra care to your gums compared to standard toothbrushes.

5. Versatility: Bamboo toothbrushes should be available with different options,  making them adaptable to the unique needs of children and adults.

6. Eco-friendliness: Bamboo handles are 100% biodegradable, but consider other elements, such as the bristle, which may be using nylon.

List of the Best Bamboo Toothbrushes in the Market

Want to wean yourself off plastic use?

We’ve rounded up a list of the 5 best eco-friendly toothbrushes to choose the right one for you:

1. BlauKe Bamboo Toothbrushes

BlauKe natural bamboo toothbrushes stand out with 100% biodegradable, naturally grown bamboo handles. 

Pros:

• It comes with not-too-hard (but not too soft) bristles, gentle on your teeth and gums.

• The 100% BPA-free bristles are wavy to target hard-to-reach areas. 

• Comes with a biodegradable carton box, perfect for those who care for the environment. Zero-waste packaging.
  

• It is entirely vegan-friendly, with no animal product used to create it. (we don’t use boar hair bristles)
  

• We’ve even engraved numbers for easy identification.

Cons:

• Our bristles are made of recyclable BPA-Free nylon. For those who prefer 100% biodegradable bristles made of boar hair, these are not for them. These are more suitable for vegans.

Want a natural solution to whitening your teeth? Our five-pack of charcoal-infused toothbrushes is excellent for a thorough cleaning.

2. Bamboozled Bamboo Toothbrushes

Another bamboo toothbrush on our list is the Bamboozled. Its BPA-free nylon bristles are charcoal-infused and provide a thorough cleaning.

Pros:

• Uses olive oil-infused handles.

• Bristles are charcoal-infused.

• Comes as a set of 4 in each pack that is free from plastic.

• Each brush is marked, distinguishing it easily.

Cons:

However, it's pricey (around $15) compared to BlauKe bamboo toothbrushes, priced at approximately $12 including shipping.

3. Colgate Bamboo Toothbrushes

Colgate bamboo toothbrush is also made from 100% natural and sustainable bamboo. 

Pros:

• Has charcoal-infused bristles for deeper teeth cleaning.

• Comes with recyclable cardboard packaging.

• Colgate claims to have rigorously tested these toothbrushes.

Cons:

• Some of Colgate’s packaging includes plastic in them.
  
• Unlike BlauKe toothbrushes, which are easily identifiable because of their marks, Colgate bamboo toothbrushes are not easily distinguishable as they don’t have numbers engraved on them.

4. Brush with Bamboo Toothbrushes

Brush with Bamboo toothbrush has natural bristles from 100% castor bean oil.

Pros:

• It has bio-based bristles with no fossil fuels

• Plant-based compostable packaging with no tape or glue

• Ergonomic shape, allowing a great feel and touch on your hands

Cons:

It might be expensive, at around $20, compared to alternatives. Besides, some customers reported an aftertaste after brushing.

5. GREENZLA Bamboo Toothbrushes

GREENZLA is another bamboo toothbrush brand on Amazon. It comes with a 100% biodegradable bamboo handle and eco-friendly packaging.

Pros:

• Comes with an anti-slip handle, making it easy to hold

• Has charcoal infused and soft bristles to fight plague

• The handle is marked and waterproof

Cons:

• Greenzla toothbrushes feature soft bristles, unlike BlauKe, which offers soft and medium bristles, catering to people who prefer firmer brushes.

How to Choose the Right Bamboo Toothbrush

Don’t know where to begin?

Check out the following tips to help you choose the right bamboo toothbrush for great oral care:

Understand Bristle Options

Nylon or natural bristles?

You can choose natural boar hair bristles for an eco-friendly option or nylon for its effectiveness and durability. Additionally, consider the various bristle types. Go for soft bristles, gentler on sensitive gums, or choose medium bristles if you want a not-hard and not-too-soft feel.

While 100% biodegradable, bamboo toothbrushes with Boar hair bristles are not suitable for vegans.

Consider the Design

Ideally, the bamboo handle should be ergonomically designed to ensure comfort during brushing. 

A good example is the c-shaped handle with anti-slip materials, which provides a better grip.

Take Note of the Packaging

Eco-friendly toothbrushes should come in sustainable packages so that everything is biodegradable, further contributing to the efforts for a greener world. 

So, look for toothbrushes with plastic-free recyclable packaging. 

Check the Toothbrush Head Size

Choose a toothbrush head size based on your mouth size for better effectiveness. If you have a small mouth, choose a toothbrush with a small head to ensure it reaches all areas of your mouth without causing injury. Similarly, consider the children’s version with softer and smaller heads when buying brushes for kids.

Maintenance and Longevity of Bamboo Toothbrushes

How long do bamboo toothbrushes last? 

Although they’re naturally antibacterial and can last long, here’s our list of the 5 things you can do to keep your bamboo toothbrushes fresh and clean:

1. Rinse your Bamboo Toothbrush Thoroughly: After brushing, rinse the bristles to keep them clean, remove food debris and toothpaste, and prevent bacteria.

2. Allow for Proper Air Circulation: Shake off excess water and pat your toothbrush dry with a clean towel. Also, store your bamboo brush upright in an airy container to dry it out. Moisture can encourage mold and mildew.

3. Sanitize Your Brush: To extend the shelf-life of your bamboo toothbrush, occasionally soak it in vinegar and baking soda for approximately 20 minutes. Then rinse it and let it dry completely.

4. Replace After 3 to 4 Months: While bamboo brushes can last a long time, consider replacing them with new ones, especially if the bristles are frayed. Ultimately, it will help you maintain oral hygiene.

5. Don’t Share: Consider bamboo brushes with numbers engraved on their handles, like the BlauKe bamboo toothbrushes. These brushes are easily recognizable and prevent the spread of bacteria.

Steps to Recycle Your Bamboo Toothbrush

Once your bamboo brush has reached the end of the life cycle, what next?

Here is a step-by-step guide to recycle (or dispose of) your toothbrush:

Step 1: Repurpose the Bamboo Toothbrush

Find new uses for your brush. You can use it to:

• Clean your computer keyboard

• Craft plant stakes or markers

• Get dirt off hard-to-reach spots (gaps between kitchen or bathroom tiles)

• Clean stubborn dirt off shoes

Step 2: Remove the Bristles with Pliers

Although biodegradable, bamboo toothbrushes often have nylon bristles that take years to decompose. 

Before disposing of your toothbrushes, use pliers to remove the bristles and prepare them for recycling.

Step 3: Recycle the Bristles

Once you’ve removed the nylon bristles, keep them together in a plastic recycling bin since they are tiny and easily lost. 

You can then drop them off at a recycling facility (if they accept nylon materials) or dispose of them responsibly.

Step 4: Compost the Handle

Simply break the bamboo toothbrush handle into smaller pieces for quick decomposition. You can chuck it into your home compost pit (if you have one) with other biodegradable items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Before we end, check the top questions about the best bamboo toothbrushes and the quick answers:

How Do Bamboo Toothbrushes Compare to Plastic Ones?

Check a quick overview of how bamboo toothbrushes differ from their plastic counterparts:

What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes for Sensitive Teeth?

BlauKe toothbrushes are highly rated for soft bristles, making them the best for sensitive teeth. 

The tapered bristles are gentle on your mouth but effective for removing plaque without harming your gums.

How Can I Identify Natural Toothbrush Bristles?

While it's hard to tell natural bristles, here are the top 3 clues to recognize them:

1. Compared to perfectly white or colored synthetic bristles, natural bristles are off-white and more natural.

2. Unlike the equal and neatly arranged synthetic bristles, natural bristles are mixed in height and texture.

3. While synthetic bristles have rounded ends, natural bristles are feather-like, with tapered ends.

Are All Bamboo Toothbrushes Biodegradable?

No.

While bamboo brushes with boar hair are available, they can be rougher on teeth and gums. Therefore, most eco-friendly toothbrushes have nylon bristles, which are not biodegradable.

We recommend that you remove and recycle such bristles. The handle will decompose naturally and quickly.

What is the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Toothbrushes?

Although used interchangeably, biodegradable toothbrushes differ from compostable ones in these ways:

Conclusion

If you’re eco-conscious, try shifting to a bamboo toothbrush. 

Bamboo toothbrushes are made from a natural, renewable resource. The handles decompose quickly, minimizing the risk of harming the environment.

Now that you know how to select the best toothbrush for your needs and the care tips to keep your bamboo toothbrush in tip-top condition, explore our bathroom collection and say goodbye to plastic toothbrushes!