How Super Soft Bristles Make Bamboo Toothbrushes More Effective

Owning a bamboo toothbrush is one of the easiest first steps that you can make towards living an eco-friendlier, healthier life. It’s an easy switch to make and doesn't require any major shake-ups in your lifestyle or routine. 

The amount of plastic waste it minimizes can leave a lasting impact to nature so you can feel good about doing your part for your environment. If you decide to make the change to a bamboo brush, we recommend opting for one with extra-soft bristles. This can make an even bigger difference when it comes to gently polishing sensitive teeth and helping out the environment! 

What Is A Bamboo Toothbrush?

To be specific, a bamboo toothbrush is made out of renewable materials instead of mixed chemicals and hard plastic. They've become a hotter trend along with an increase in awareness of the huge carbon footprint that a typical toothbrush can leave on the planet. 

The majority of bamboo toothbrushes have a 100% biodegradable handle but some even use pig or badger hair for the bristles to make the entire toothbrush completely compost-able. The vegan friendly versions primarily use nylon bristles which are less likely to collect germs or bacteria compared to hollow animal hair. Coral tries to make an extra step when it comes to our products so we have made it so we promote zero-waste packaging, along with eco-friendly BPA free bristles, and being plastic, phthalate and PVC free! 

Benefits of Soft-Bristle Toothbrushes 

Softer bristles help people that have gum diseases such as bleeding gums or gingivitis. They are gentler to the touch and allow for a deep cleaning without extreme causing any discomfort. A 2018 study discovered that extra-soft bristled toothbrushes with angled or wavy bristle patterns provide extra protection against plaque due to the criss-crossed design that fits more agreeably with the natural shape of your teeth. It can clean in between tighter spaces this way too. 

Soft bristles may also help prevent enamel abrasion and receding gums that can sometimes occur due to heavy brushing. Consider a few features when selecting a toothbrush for sensitive teeth. The right bristle type of course depends on your oral care needs and the advise of your dentist. Ideally your brush should be able to reach all areas of your mouth with ease. 

How Are Bamboos Sustainable & Eco-Friendly? 

Bamboo is one of the most popular renewable sources because it grows incredibly fast and doesn't require chemicals or fertilizers to stay healthy. Moso or Mao Zhu bamboo is most commonly used to make sustainable products like toothbrushes because of these unique qualities. 

Other attributes include:

1. Low Maintenance 
   Bamboo doesn't require the use of herbicides, pesticides, or any other chemical additives in order to survive. It doesn't leave harmful chemical remains or side-effects when harvested either. 
2. Antibacterial
   Bamboo has natural antimicrobial agents locked within it's fibers, making it perfect for use in personal products like sheets, pillow cases, and toothbrushes.
3. Animal-Friendly 
   Pandas and orangutans don't feed on Moso bamboo so harvesting them for production doesn't destroy animal homes or habits or take away a food source. 

 How To Clean, Store, & Dispose of Bamboo Brushes 

We have a few easy tips for owning your bamboo toothbrush to ensure it stays clean and well maintained. According to the ADA, proper toothbrush care follows these steps: 

1. Don't share your toothbrush with anyone 
2. Wash off all bubbles and debris after each use
3. Store upright an air dry to prevent microbial growth
4. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles have noticeably frayed. 

As for disposing of your toothbrush, we recommend first pulling out the bristles with use of pliers first. Then we suggest you up-cycle your bamboo handle into something nifty you can use around the kitchen, or garage. Of course you can always place it in the compost bin if you can't find any other use for it.  Some recycling centers accept bristles, so check with your local community drop-off sites.