“Hey look at that amazingly huge pile of plastic toothbrushes that will NEVER decompose” said no one ever! Consider activated charcoal toothbrushes. You will be making a small but meaningful contribution to the world we live in.
We’ve already talked about activated charcoal tooth powders and cleaners on the C&B blog, however, what about taking your teeth cleaning experience to another eco-friendly level? Consider an activated charcoal infused toothbrush. Why? A toothbrush with activated charcoal infused bristles is said to:
- Absorb toxins
- Be naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal and act as an antiviral agent
- Prevent harmful bacteria growing in the brush between brushing your teeth
- Assist to whiten teeth (depending on how much activated charcoal is used)
- Fight plaque and eliminate/help prevent bad breath
Even better, look for a toothbrush that has a handle made with bamboo. Why? They are:
- Super lightweight as a toothbrush handle
- A sustainable resource requiring no pesticides or chemical fertilizers
- Plays a role in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is carbon neutral
- Able to be returned to earth in compost
- Biodegradable into soil with no pollution
What else should I look for in an activated charcoal toothbrush?
- Where using an activated charcoal toothbrush with a bamboo handle, buy from companies that use sustainable and renewable sources of bamboo
- Bristles made from a BPA free polymer are best because they are resistant to microbial growth during normal use, ensuring safety and durability
- Finally, look for a toothbrush that is BPA free, verified non-toxic (including the packaging), chemical free and in recycled packaging
Anything else I need to know?
- When activated charcoal toothbrushes are poorly designed, the bristles fall out, so check some user reviews before you buy
- Try to avoid getting the bamboo handle wet – it may feel a little weird and “slimy” when you pick it up again.
- Check brand claims – some claim their bristles are biodegradable, but many brands cannot provide evidence of this. Finally, look for certified bio-based bristles as they contain less petroleum-based plastic than other toothbrushes C&B