Can My Bamboo Toothbrush Get Moldy?
We’ve polluted the earth for a long time with slow-to-degradable plastic material. That is why organic and compostable bamboo toothbrushes are an excellent way to help keep the ecosystem pollution-free.
You might be asking, can my bamboo toothbrush get moldy after I use it for a while?
The answer is yes, it can get moldy after a while if you don’t take care of it well. Because of its organic nature, mold grows faster on bamboo brushes than plastic toothbrushes.
Caring for your bamboo toothbrush
And no one likes to put mold into their mouth! So, follow these easy steps to properly care for your bamboo toothbrush and prolong its life as a mold-free, eco-friendly alternative.
Keep it Dry
When using a bamboo toothbrush, you might have to be extra attentive to its care. This is due to its degradable nature that leads to mold growth when exposed to too much moisture.
Naturally, the bathroom environment is a damp one, and so when taking care of your bamboo toothbrush, ensure you always take an extra step to keep it dry. Try tapping it slightly against your hand to get rid of water after you use it.
You could also towel-dry it and set it upright in a clean container so that it dries properly. We don’t recommend covering it with a toothbrush cover as it leaves little room for air to dry it.
Bonus tip: If you notice any bent bristles, straighten them back up with your hand to help the drying process between bristles.
Rinse Properly
After using your bamboo toothbrush, you must give it a thorough rinse with warm tap water to get rid of toothpaste, food debris, and bubbles.
When you are done rinsing it off, don’t forget to dry correctly and expose it to consistent airflow.
Store Properly
To ensure that your bamboo toothbrush is taken care of, you should store it in a holder. You can also use an extra cup you already have. By placing it upright, it won’t touch another toothbrush, preventing bacterial spread.
This way, the water that drips down can be collected in the cup rather than making a mess on your countertop. Keep all brushes away from exhaust fans, toilet bowls, or any other source of unclean air.
Do I need to throw away a moldy brush?
Even with proper care, you should always replace your toothbrush regularly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that we replace our toothbrushes every two to three months. And that goes for your bamboo toothbrushes as well!
When adequately cared for, your bamboo toothbrush will last for a long time. However, for the sake of oral hygiene, you should replace them as recommended.
But Wait! Before you throw out your brush, consider these tips on properly disposing of your bamboo toothbrush.
Using a bamboo toothbrush offers plenty of benefits to the natural environment. While it might seem small, every step counts in the fight for a greener tomorrow.
