What Is Bamboo Toothbrush

Author: Hai Le

Updated on November 7, 2025 • Estimated read time: 7 minutes

In recent years, bamboo toothbrushes have become increasingly popular around the world. Not just among the sustainable living community, bamboo toothbrushes have gone mainstream and can easily be spotted on the shelves of most local supermarkets, pharmacies, and even major retail chains.

Fun Fact: Bamboo toothbrushes are one of the oldest types of toothbrushes. The earliest toothbrush was invented in China during the 15th century using bamboo and other natural materials.

While bamboo toothbrushes are celebrated for their eco-friendliness and biodegradable features, they remain a mystery to many consumers. A significant number of people are still unfamiliar with this sustainable alternative and don't fully understand the benefits it provides.

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about bamboo toothbrushes, including all the advantages and disadvantages of using them. Hopefully, you will be convinced to make a more informed decision on your next toothbrush.

What Is A Bamboo Toothbrush?

Bamboo toothbrushes are very similar to a manual plastic toothbrush you have been using your whole life. The only difference between a bamboo toothbrush and a plastic toothbrush is the material used to make the handle.

While most modern toothbrushes are made from a mix of plastic materials that combine elements of rubber, crude oil, and petroleum (A bad mix to put in your mouth twice a day). Bamboo toothbrushes are made from 100% natural bamboo wood with bristles that are made out of nylon.

Fun Fact: According to Guinness World Records, bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. Not only that, but it can regrow quickly after being cut down, making it one of the most environmentally friendly products available.

Bamboo toothbrushes are as effective at cleaning teeth as plastic toothbrushes because they both use the same nylon bristle. They can remove plaque and bacteria to help prevent cavities and gum disease. (Some even offer charcoal-infused bristles, which can help naturally whiten teeth and absorb odors for fresher breath!)

In addition to their eco-friendly benefits, bamboo toothbrushes also have a natural antibacterial property, meaning the handle itself resists microbial growth. This makes them hygienic and safe to use while reducing your exposure to plastic-related chemicals.

Summary: Bamboo toothbrushes are exactly what they sound like. They are toothbrushes that have handles that are made out of biodegradable material known as bamboo and bristles that are made out of nylon.

Photo: © Icons8 Photos via canva.com

The Advantages Of Using Bamboo Toothbrush

Fun Fact: According to WWF, around 3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold globally every single year, and that number is expected to keep growing as dental care becomes more accessible in developing countries.

Now that you know what exactly a bamboo toothbrush is, let's dive into all the advantages of using them over plastic toothbrushes, and why they are becoming the preferred choice for eco-conscious individuals:

• Reduce Waste: Traditional plastic toothbrushes contribute to the global plastic waste crisis. Bamboo-based toothbrush eliminates unnecessary plastic waste while giving you the same quality of cleaning that a plastic brush can offer.
• Anti-Microbial: Bamboo possesses natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on your toothbrush.
• Biodegradable: Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, meaning they can be broken down naturally in the environment. This process can be as fast as a branch of a tree.
• Eco-Friendly: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource. Also, the recycling, reusing, or composting process has never been easier with eco-friendly packaging, contributing to a more sustainable future.

And again, bamboo toothbrushes are just as good for your teeth as plastic toothbrushes. The material used for the handle has nothing to do with how effective the toothbrush is. It all boils down to how often you brush your teeth and your brushing technique.

Summary: Bamboo toothbrushes are a more sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes with additional antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on your toothbrush. If you are looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact, consider switching to a bamboo toothbrush.

Photo: © Icons8 Photos via canva.com

Disadvantages Of Using Bamboo Toothbrush

No product is ever going to be entirely perfect when it comes to sustainability, and toothbrushes made from bamboo are no exception to that rule. While there are many advantages that come with using a bamboo toothbrush, it's important to also understand its limitations.

Nylon Bristle: The bristles used in bamboo toothbrushes vary from brand to brand, but most use Nylon-6 bristles. These nylon bristles are very durable and effective for cleaning teeth, but cannot biodegrade!

Why Use Nylon Bristles On Bamboo Toothbrush?

For a fully biodegradable toothbrush, the bristles cannot be made of nylon. Some companies do offer bamboo toothbrushes with plant-based bristles, while others offer animal hair bristles, such as pig or horse hair, for their bamboo toothbrush.

But seriously, do you really want to use pig hair to brush your teeth? We consulted with many dental experts about the use of plant-based and animal-hair toothbrush bristles before making our Ecopify bamboo toothbrush bristles, Nylon, and here's why:

Many dental experts have concluded that plant-based and animal-hair bristles do not provide the cleaning capabilities that Nylon bristles would have. Animal hair and plant-based bristles also did not last long enough compared to the nylon bristle, which makes the toothbrush way less effective compared to other toothbrushes using nylon bristles.

Summary: Bamboo toothbrushes have a smaller environmental impact than plastic toothbrushes, but they are not perfect. The bristles of most bamboo toothbrushes are still made of nylon to give you the highest quality of cleaning. However, they are not biodegradable unless you first remove the nylon bristles from the handle.

Photo: © Rido via canva.com

Should You Switch To Using A Bamboo Toothbrush?

If we simply look at plastic toothbrushes vs. bamboo toothbrushes, then it's a no-brainer. Yes, you should swap to using a bamboo toothbrush if you want to reduce your environmental impact.

Not only are bamboo toothbrushes just as effective and durable as conventional plastic toothbrushes, but their packaging is also eco-friendly and recyclable. Again, bamboo toothbrushes are so similar to plastic toothbrushes that they are even made with the same machinery.

Fun Fact: Dental professionals generally agree that nylon bristles provide the best balance of durability, hygiene, and cleaning effectiveness, which is why most bamboo toothbrushes use them despite the sustainability trade-off.

Plant-based bristles are often too soft or brittle, making them less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. While animal-hair bristles (pig or horse hair) can wear out quickly and harbor bacteria, making them way less hygienic.

Pro Tip: When choosing a toothbrush, you should pay attention to the size of the head, the shape of the handle, and the type of bristles. Ideally, you'll want to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, a head that fits comfortably in your mouth, and a handle that is comfortable to hold.

Summary: The decision of whether or not to switch to a bamboo toothbrush is up to you. If you are looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to brush your teeth, a bamboo toothbrush is a good option.

Quick Takeaway

If you are looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact, switching to a bamboo toothbrush is a great option. They are toothbrushes with handles that are made out of natural material known as bamboo and bristles that are made out of nylon.

Bamboo toothbrushes are not perfect, but it's easy to see why environmentalists and people all around the world are using them instead of plastic toothbrushes. They are just as effective at cleaning teeth and removing plaque while having additional antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on your toothbrush.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are the benefits of using bamboo toothbrush?

Answer: Bamboo toothbrushes offer many benefits, they help reduce your environmental impact, promote excellent oral health, and make your bathroom look more stylish. Made from a renewable resource that grows quickly and biodegrades naturally, they are the best eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes.

Question #2: How long does a bamboo toothbrush last?

Answer: Typically, a bamboo toothbrush lasts around 3-4 months. However, the lifespan of bamboo toothbrushes can vary depending on how often you brush your teeth and your brushing technique.

Question #3: How do I dispose of a bamboo toothbrush properly?

Answer: To dispose of your bamboo toothbrush properly, simply remove the nylon bristles from the bamboo handle and recycle them if possible. Once the bristles are removed, you can compost the biodegradable bamboo handle in your compost bin.

Question #4: How do I take care of my bamboo toothbrush?

Answer: Simply apply the same care routines of your plastic toothbrush to your bamboo toothbrush. After each use, rinse thoroughly then keep it in an upright position to dry and prevent the growth of bacteria.