Take one step into your favorite drug or department store’s oral care aisle and you’re sure to be gobsmacked by the vast number of toothbrush options available to you. The bristles come in a range of textures, colors, lengths, and more, which can make picking the right toothbrush for your needs feel impossible. Here, you can learn more about toothbrush bristles so that you can make better choices for yourself and your family.
What Does the ADA Say?
The American Dental Association, or ADA, makes a few simple recommendations when it comes to choosing manual toothbrush bristles:
- Per information from the ADA, systematic reviews show that multi-level and/or angled bristles tend to perform better than the flat-trimmed bristles when it comes to removing plaque. This means you should avoid purchasing toothbrushes with blunt-tipped (flat) bristles and instead look for options that have tapered bristles.
- Similar reviews have shown that medium firmness bristles are highly effective at removing biofilm (plaque and other substances that can lead to tooth decay), but despite this, the ADA recommends using soft bristles whenever possible. Medium bristles can be too abrasive and lead to gum injury and infection.
WooBamboo’s Signature Toothbrush Bristles
Although WooBamboo’s toothbrushes are known primarily for their bamboo handles, the bristles are an important feature, as well. Though the company works hard to reduce plastic as much as possible, the bristles in their toothbrushes are made from dental-grade nylon, which is recyclable in many local facilities. The nylon used in the bristles is 100% phthalate and BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals. The bristles are tapered rather than flat, which means you can expect more plaque and biofilm removal than with traditional flat bristles. Furthermore, you can choose three different firmness levels to suit your needs: Extra Soft, Soft, and Medium.
The Bamboo Handle is an Added Bonus!
While you should carefully consider the bristles when you buy a new toothbrush for yourself or your family, it’s also important to nix the plastic handle wherever possible to help reduce plastic pollution around the globe. WooBamboo’s bristles are nestled inside an ergonomic Moso bamboo handle that is FSC Certified 100% Sustainably Harvested, and it contains no toxins, glues, or paint – it’s all natural! These handles are hand-sanded and sealed using a vegan soybean wax to make sure your toothbrush is as comfortable to use on the last day as it is on the first. Even the packaging is 100% plastic free and biodegradable, so you can feel good about every single toothbrush you buy.
Choosing a toothbrush seems like an arduous task when you’re faced with hundreds of choices from dozens of brands. At the end of the day, though, it isn’t the design of the handle or the color of the bristles that should drive your purchase decisions. Rather, you should choose a toothbrush that’s right for the environment while also being right for you. WooBamboo provides the best handle for the planet and the best bristles for your teeth.
