Why toothbrush

But now designers are beginning to ask: Can we remake this essential object using little or no plastic? The American Dental Association suggests that everyone replace their toothbrushes every three or four months. At that rate, brushers in the U.

And if everyone around the world followed those recommendations, about 23 billion toothbrushes would get trashed annually. Most are traditional toothbrushes, but some 55 million U. Many toothbrushes are unrecyclable because the composite plastics most are now made of are difficult, if not impossible, to break apart efficiently. In response, some companies have pivoted back to natural material, like wood or boar bristles. Bamboo handles can solve part of the problem, but most of the bamboo brushes on the market still have nylon bristles, so at least that part of the brush has to be thrown away.

Other toothbrushes, like the Radius , pack more, sturdier bristles into their heads. That helps them last longer so they need to be replaced less often—only two brushes a year instead of four. Some companies have gone back to a design that was originally introduced nearly a century ago: toothbrushes with removable heads. Goodwell, in Portland, Oregon, produces metal handles it hopes brushers will keep for years. But any option that reduces the total amount of material used and packaging is a step in the right direction.

Getting people thinking about the tools they use to clean their teeth? Why carrying your own fork and spoon helps solve the plastic crisis. The sticky problem of plastic wrap. This common plastic packaging is a recycling nightmare. Cigarette butts are toxic plastic pollution.

Should they be banned? How the plastic bottle went from miracle container to hated garbage. How tampons and pads became so unsustainable. Tires: The plastic polluter you never thought about. Can medical care exist without plastic? Your shoes are made of plastic. All rights reserved. How your toothbrush became a part of the plastic crisis Toothbrush design is little changed from its earliest form.

The biggest difference is in the materials: toothbrushes are now all made of at least some plastic. Take a tour of the humble toothbrush and find out how it affects the environment. This article was created in partnership with the National Geographic Society. The best toothbrush for your child is whatever one they are mostly likely to use.

Experts recommend soft bristles and a child-sized toothbrush head for kids. Neither a manual nor electric toothbrush is necessarily better for young children. The same pros and cons of each kind still apply. Toddlers and kids can safely use an electric toothbrush on their own. All toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months according to the ADA. Replace your toothbrush sooner if it looks frayed or if you used it when you were sick. With a manual toothbrush, the whole thing needs to be replaced.

With an electric toothbrush, you may only need to replace the removable head. The most important parts of brushing your teeth are using proper technique, and doing it twice per day, every day. The best way to brush your teeth is to:. If you experience any bleeding, talk with your dentist. A number of things can cause bleeding when you brush and floss, such as:.

So long as you are gentle, brushing and flossing should not actually cause bleeding. Both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at cleaning teeth if you use proper technique and brush long enough. Overall, an electric toothbrush may make brushing easier, resulting in better plaque removal. Talk with your dentist if you have questions about which toothbrush might be best for you.

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Call Us Location Contact Menu. The History of the Toothbrush: Healthy Smiles Through Time Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential for fighting cavities and having a healthy smile.

The Chew Stick: The Ancestor of the Toothbrush Before the toothbrush, there was a much simpler tool for cleaning teeth. The Toothbrush in Europe The toothbrush wouldn't reach the Western world until the sailing age of global trade and discovery.

Allows you to adapt the intensity of brushing according to the sensitivity of each person. Our customers' opinions. And the dental hygienist was impressed:. Secure Payment.

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