Most dental professionals would agree that sustainable toothbrushes are a good thing, but many remain uncommitted to using them in the practice. Switching from tried and tested plastic toothbrushes to an eco-friendlier option requires assurances on quality, hygiene and patient interest. Several of the world’s leading oral hygiene brands, such as Wisdom and TePe, now make sustainable toothbrushes that tick the first two of these boxes, but how much do patients care?

Are Sustainable Toothbrushes as Good a Quality as Plastic?

Both TePe and Wisdom claim that the quality, design and feel of their non-plastic toothbrushes is the exact same as the plastic ones. When it comes to removing plaque electric toothbrushes remain the most effective option, but manual sustainable brushes can provide effective removal with proper use. Another key factor affecting the quality of all toothbrushes is end-roundedness of the bristles. End-rounded bristles, which can be found on all Wisdom re:new and TePe GOOD toothbrushes, are better for cleaning and preventing gum injury.

Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Hygienic?

One of the reasons that some many people are switching to bamboo brushes is because bamboo is naturally antimicrobial. That means it is less prone to bacterial growth than traditional plastic toothbrushes. But because bamboo can degrade faster than plastic, special care should be taken to place bamboo brushes upright in an open-air container after rinsing to prevent moisture build-up.