People never think about the harm they are causing to the environment when they brush their teeth. Traditional toothbrushes are made from plastic and these brushes are causing major environmental and health issues without us realizing it.
Brushing teeth is a part of people’s daily routine and it helps to maintain good oral health. So, if conventional toothbrushes are harming the environment does that mean people should stop cleaning and brushing their teeth? Not at all. There are eco-friendly options and you can easily switch to a biodegradable toothbrush. But before you find more about this toothbrush, it is important to understand why conventional toothbrushes made from plastic are bad for the environment.
The Problem with Traditional Toothbrushes
Most people change their toothbrush every three months as that is what dentists recommend. They toss their old toothbrush into the bin and forget about it. If it were a single toothbrush, it wouldn’t pose a problem but millions of people discard toothbrushes every year. These brushes end up in landfills. It is then the problem begins.
Plastic toothbrushes take hundreds of years to biodegrade and when they do, the plastic transforms to microplastic. These microplastics, as the name suggests, are minuscule particles of plastic. These particles enter the soil and can find their way into the food chain. They also get washed into water bodies. Many researchers have found that microplastics can trigger cancer, lead to congenital disabilities, result in reproductive problems, and also weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to diseases and ailments.
Besides humans, animals, birds, and marine life are also adversely affected by microplastic. They ingest the microplastics and this can lead to diseases and blocked intestine, which is fatal for animals, birds, and aquatic animals.
Bringing About a Change
Today, people have a choice. They do not have to stick to plastic brushes. They can easily switch to a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. Here, the handle of the brush is made from eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo. The handle can be added to a compost heap or it can be recycled and reused.
While bamboo toothbrushes have become common and you can easily find them online, choose your brush with care. Opt for a bamboo toothbrush that is made from sustainable materials and if it has nylon bristles, it should be BPA-free. That way, the nylon will not pollute the environment.
Bamboo toothbrushes are not just eco-friendly but also allow you to make a statement and reduce your carbon footprint. It is advisable to look for the best bamboo toothbrush so that you can rest assured knowing that the manufacturer has used sustainable and organic bamboo that is free from chemicals. This will help you do your bit for the environment and ensure your toothbrush purchasing habit does not harm the environment or lead to pollution.