Electric toothbrushes
There is good evidence that electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes for plaque removal and gum health. Although “sonic” toothbrushes sound fancy, an oscillating rotating action is thought to be better than a side to side action, so the electric toothbrushes with round heads that turn back and forth are preferable over sonic toothbrushes.
The evidence does not currently say that more expensive toothbrushes are necessarily better. Base to mid level models of electric oscillating rotating toothbrushes probably represent the best investment for your oral health, but more expensive models come with more fancy features.
A good base level oscillating rotating electric toothbrush
- Rotating oscillating
- Rechargeable
- Brushing timer
- Can use separate heads and share the handle between whole family
- Pressure sensor – lets you know if you are pushing too hard
A top end oscillating rotating electric toothbrush
- Rotating oscillating
- Rechargeable
- Brushing timer
- Can use separate heads and share the handle between whole family
- Pressure control – lets you know if you are pushing too hard or not hard enough
- Connects with your smartphone to give you feedback about your brushing technique
Manual toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes can provide an adequate level of oral hygiene but are reliant on a good brushing technique. Its not clear that any particular design or shape of manual toothbrush offers an overall advantage, so a basic brush with small head and straight bristles is perfectly fine to use.
Plastic toothbrushes are usually made with polypropylene. Its hard to find good evidence for just how long they will take to biodegrade but most estimates are hundreds of years. Clearly, if every one of the 66.8 million people in the UK are throwing away another toothbrush every 3-6 months for an average lifespan of around 80 years, we will leave a legacy of waste far beyond our time on earth.
Bamboo toothbrushes are definitely more environmentally friendly since the bamboo can biodegrade in a matter of months rather than years. They are however not 100% biodegradable or not 100% cruelty free.
Most bamboo toothbrushes still use nylon bristles which, despite some false claims, are not biodegradable. Others use hog hair which is not cruelty free and not as hygienic.
While bamboo toothbrushes don’t have the same fancy designs and packaging as the plastic toothbrushes, less plastic is surely better than more. So when weighing up the efficiency and environmental impact, bamboo toothbrushes are the best manual toothbrushes currently available.
A good manual toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes 5 pack – £4.40 (88p per brush)
- 97% less plastic compared to a plastic toothbrush
- Environmentally friendly handle and packaging
- Cheap and effective when used with a good brushing technique
- Medium strength bristles
- Different coloured bristles for easy identification
- Cruelty free (and suitable for vegans)
Leave feedback about the information on this page