“One billion toothbrushes are thrown out every year in the United States,” according to Dr. Jeremy Dixon of Gramercy Pediatric Dentistry. As an alternative to sending more plastic straight to a landfill, bamboo brushes are naturally biodegradable, making them “a great eco-friendly alternative.” While the handles are made of bamboo, “the bristles are typically nylon and can be removed with a pair of pliers before disposing of,” explains Dr. Ramin Tabib of NYC Smile Design. Dr. Danielle Lombardi says you should replace your toothbrush every three months or “once the bristles start to dull in color,” and she advises that, when selecting a toothbrush, you should “choose soft bristles always!” Read on for the best bamboo toothbrushes, including options for kids, families, and even pets.
Best overall bamboo toothbrush
Two of our experts suggested WooBamboo brushes. According to Lombardi, “WooBamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and a great option for those wanting to be more eco-friendly.” Dixon agrees. “WooBamboo has adult and child brushes with fun colors,” he says. These brushes also use zero-waste packaging. Lombardi notes that, because the company doesn’t use glue to secure the bristles to the handle, you may lose a bristle or two over time, which is why “children should always be supervised when brushing.” And if you’re looking to overhaul your entire dental-hygiene routine, she suggests a biodegradable, vegan, bamboo floss from Lucky Teeth, which also happens to be sold in a refillable glass jar.
Best activated-charcoal-infused bamboo toothbrush
The bristles on this brush are infused with charcoal, which Tabib says will “absorb tannins and stains caused by cigarettes, red wine, and coffee as well as help with bad breath.” The “chic” all-black brush will also look great displayed on your sink, he adds.
Best (least expensive) charcoal-infused bamboo toothbrush
For an even more affordable option, Tabib recommends this four-pack from Isshah, which is only $7, or $1.25 per brush. If you do the math, four brushes will last you an entire year. Plus, the bristles are made from bad-breath-fighting charcoal.
Best colorful bamboo toothbrush
If you want a less minimalist option, Tabib loves this five-pack from the Humble Co., which, he says, “comes in a bunch of cool colors,” including yellow, pink, and blue.
Best bamboo toothbrush for aggressive brushers
If you’re a heavy-handed brusher, Tabib says these natural bristles are “very soft and gentle on your gum tissue and enamel.” A way to tell if you’re brushing too hard is to take a look at your bristles. If they are splayed out, “this can be an indication that you are brushing too hard, which can lead to recession and cause irritation,” explains Lombardi.
Best bamboo toothbrush for families
For families (or roommates who share one bathroom), Dixon loves Wowe toothbrushes because, he says, they “come in packs of four with each brush individually numbered to keep from mixing them up.” Wowe also uses plastic-free packaging.
Best bamboo toothbrush for kids
“Eco-Frenzy offers multiple sizes with soft bristles, and their brush for kids has a larger, smooth round handle, making it easier for little hands to control,” explains Dixon. This four-pack includes pink, green, yellow, and blue toothbrushes, which is sure to delight your little one.
Best bamboo toothbrush for pets
While Dixon loves WooBamboo’s toothbrushes for children and adults, he also recommends the brand’s pet toothbrush if you want the whole family (including Fido) to switch to bamboo.
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