The world is full of plastics, and it’s all around you. From plastic water bottles to plastic bags, there are many different types of plastics that you come into contact with daily. They’re made from different types of materials and have different uses, but they all have one thing in common: they’re all harmful when used as part of your toothbrush. Unfortunately, most toothbrushes are made with some plastic. While this doesn’t make them unusable, it does mean that you need to be cautious about what type you buy. Some plastics react badly with your mouth and can even cause infections if you use them for long enough. Here are some types of plastic that you need to avoid if you want to keep your teeth healthy and clean with your new toothbrush –
What Is BPA?
BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is a chemical that is used in many plastics. It’s a synthetic estrogen found in many plastics used for making containers, food cans, and even the inside of water bottles. BPA has been linked to many health issues, including behavioral problems in children, increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and hormonal changes in adults. It has also been associated with an increased risk of tooth decay as it can leach into your mouth while brushing and cause damage to the gums and teeth. BPA can also affect oral pH. This can increase it to a level where bacteria can grow and cause cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss.
PVC and Chlorine: Which Plastics are Worse?
PVC and chlorine are both used in the production of many toothbrush bristles. It is a form of plastic that’s soft and easy to mold into toothbrush bristles. It’s also cheap to make and easy to find. Unfortunately, PVC is a toxic plastic that’s filled with harmful chemicals that leach into your mouth. Chlorine is also used in the production of bristles. It’s found inside PVC and is a chemical that’s used to bleach wood pulp, making it white and easy to mold. Chlorine reacts with your saliva and causes a chemical reaction that produces cyanogen chloride. This toxic gas is linked to many illnesses, including cancer, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Polypropylene: Another Bad Choice Of Plastics
Like PVC, polypropylene is a plastic used to make the bristles of a toothbrush. It’s soft and easy to mold, making it ideal for making bristles. Unfortunately, it’s not great for your health. Polypropylene is another toxic plastic that releases harmful chemicals into your mouth. Studies show that toothbrushes made from polypropylene can release up to 50% of the bristles into your mouth when you use them. When it comes to the plastic your toothbrush is made from, the worst choices are PVC and polypropylene. They’re both toxic and have been linked to many health issues. Unfortunately, many toothbrush manufacturers use these plastic materials because they’re cheap to produce.
Teflon: Yet Another Reason to Be Careful
The best toothbrushes are free of Teflon. It is the same material used to make non-stick frying pans, and while it’s great for cooking, it’s not so good for your mouth. Teflon is a harmful chemical that’s linked to many health issues, including cancer. It also affects the oral pH and allows harmful bacteria to grow and thrive, which leads to cavities and gum disease. Teflon is found in synthetic bristles, a plastic that many dentists recommend you steer clear of. Unfortunately, many toothbrush manufacturers choose to use Teflon because it’s cheap and durable.
Bottom line
When it comes to toothbrush bristles, you’re better off avoiding all plastics. While some are slightly less harmful than others, they all have the potential to cause damage to your mouth. If you can find a toothbrush with wooden bristles, it is a better choice. They’re biodegradable, easy to clean, and don’t retain any harmful chemicals. They are soft on your teeth and great for preventing gingivitis and tooth decay!
When it comes to your toothbrush, the best option is to find a plastic-free brush. And if you can’t find one, a wooden toothbrush is the next best option. No matter what you choose, make sure you avoid any plastics listed above, and you’ll be able to enjoy clean teeth and a healthy mouth!
If you are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly toothbrush alternatives, check out our ES toothbrush website or contact us for samples and support from our manufacturers for any questions you may have.