Are bamboo toothbrushes good? Pros and cons

The advantages of bamboo

• A plastic-free handle. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that needs no plastic, oil or glue. The handle is fully biodegradable.
• Compostable. A bamboo handle breaks down in compost, while a plastic toothbrush never breaks down but turns into microplastics.
• No microplastics from the handle. Since it isn't plastic, it doesn't shed plastic particles as it wears.
• A renewable material. Bamboo grows quickly and needs little artificial irrigation or pesticides.

The disadvantages – and the nuances

A good guide mentions the downsides too:

• The bristles are the tricky part. Many "bamboo toothbrushes" have a bamboo handle but nylon bristles – and nylon is plastic. Always check what the bristles are made of. Ours are natural bristle (boar bristle), a protein called keratin, not plastic.
• Natural bristles absorb water. Keratin bristles can wear slightly faster than nylon, but in practice it isn't a problem and you barely notice. The bristles do get a little softer when wet, though.
• Antibacterial, but moisture matters. Bamboo contains some antibacterial substances, which is a plus. But bacteria and mould like moisture, so rinse the brush and let it air-dry standing up between uses. That keeps it fresh.
• The handle makes no difference to your enamel. How much a toothbrush wears your teeth depends on the toothpaste, how hard you brush and how soft the bristles are. The bristles are what count: wet natural bristles soften to below 1 GPa, softer than nylon (2–3 GPa even when wet) – so they are gentler on the enamel.

Who is a bamboo toothbrush for?

It suits you if you want to cut down on plastic in everyday life without compromising on oral hygiene. You brush exactly as usual – the difference shows in your rubbish bin, not in your mouth.

Want to know more about microplastics specifically? Read our guide on microplastics in toothbrushes.