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10 Best Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)

Each year, over one billion toothbrushes are thrown away in the US alone. That’s 50 million pounds of plastic waste created and enough toothbrushes to wrap around the world four times. But if you’re here, you probably already knew that, and you’re looking for a way to help.

You’re not alone–a ton of companies have caught on to our waste problem and are trying to create solutions, so you have a lot of eco-friendly toothbrush options. In this guide, we’ll cover the factors you should consider when choosing a more environmentally conscious toothbrush. We also prepared a top 10 list, including our favorite by Eco Omega Solutions.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Jaeyoung Yoo
Expert
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

Jaeyoung is an oral health educator and dental disease preventer passionate about paving the way for patients to embark on their journey to proper oral hygiene. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2018 and served on the UNC SOD SPURGEON Student Government. She's always trying to keep up with new dental research articles and products to help her patients choose compatible products that work with their lifestyles. She's also a coffee lover and mom to two Bengal cats and multiple plants!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

Here, we'll be introducing the following four important points to check when you choose an eco-friendly toothbrush.


Points to Consider:

  1. Handle Material Determines Eco-Friendliness and Durability

  2. Pick a Bristle Material Based on Your Priorities

  3. If You Travel, Look for a Brush with an Included (Eco-Friendly) Case

  4. Multi-Packs Save on Packaging and Delivery Emissions

1

1. Handle Material Determines Eco-Friendliness and Durability

As the handle is the largest part of the toothbrush, what it’s made of is going to largely determine how eco-friendly your toothbrush is.

Bamboo and Wood are Sustainable and Biodegradable

Bamboo and Wood are Sustainable and Biodegradable
It’s honestly hard to beat bamboo and wood when deciding on a toothbrush handle. Both materials are sustainable (though bamboo could be considered slightly more sustainable) and completely biodegradable.


The only real potential issue is that they can retain moisture, which could compromise the structural integrity of your toothbrush. But many wood and bamboo toothbrushes are heat treated to be more durable, and even if it isn’t, since you’re only using it for three to four months at a time, it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Plant-Based Plastic Breaks Down Under the Right Conditions

Plant-Based Plastic Breaks Down Under the Right Conditions
Plant-based plastics are just as durable as normal plastic and feel really similar, too. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re not adding to plastics in the environment. However, even though they are advertised as biodegradable, you have to send them to an industrial composter in order for them to break down.

Recycled Plastic Keeps Plastic Out of Landfill and Can Be Recycled Again

Recycled Plastic Keeps Plastic Out of Landfill and Can Be Recycled Again

If you’re more interested in supporting companies trying to keep plastic out of landfills, recycled plastic handles might be what you’re looking for. These handles are usually made from recycled #5 plastics and can be re-recyled once you’re done. Just be sure the packaging notes that it’s BPA-free!

2

2. Pick a Bristle Material Based on Your Priorities

When it comes to toothbrush bristles, there aren’t too many options, so you might find yourself settling one way or the other.

Nylon Is Proven to Clean and Can Be Recycled; Just Look for Nylon-4, -6, or BPA-Free

Nylon Is Proven to Clean and Can Be Recycled; Just Look for Nylon-4, -6, or BPA-Free
To be honest, it’s going to be hard to avoid nylon plastic bristles. As of right now, they’re the only type of toothbrush bristles approved by the American Dental Association to clean your teeth gently and effectively.


Some companies do have programs where you can send your bristles back to be recycled, but even if the brush you choose doesn’t, you should still strongly consider continuing to use nylon as it’s such a small proportion of your brush.


There are types of nylon that are considered biodegradable, and they include Nylon-4 and -6. However, they've only been shown to biodegrade under lab conditions, so they aren’t a fool-proof answer, but they’re certainly better than nylon that doesn’t break down at all. Otherwise, look for BPA-free nylon for the most healthful option.

Boar Hair is Biodegradable but Rough and Definitely Not Vegan

Boar Hair is Biodegradable but Rough and Definitely Not Vegan
If you’re looking for a fully biodegradable brush, boar hair is basically your only natural option. However, while it does do a fairly good job cleaning, it can be very rough on your teeth and gums and is not suitable for those with sensitive mouths.


Additionally, most boar hair used in toothbrushes comes from pigs raised for food in China and India, so even if you’re not vegan, you may still want to consider the food safety and animal welfare regulations of these countries before making your decision.

3

3. If You Travel, Look for a Brush with an Included (Eco-Friendly) Case

3. If You Travel, Look for a Brush with an Included (Eco-Friendly) Case
If you find yourself traveling a lot or needing to take your toothbrush out of your own home, you’ll probably need a travel case for it. However, the vast majority of travel cases are made from plastic, which isn’t really something that you want to support.


Luckily, some eco-friendly toothbrushes come in sets with equally eco-friendly cases. So if you’ll be buying a case anyway, might as well try to find a toothbrush that already comes with one.

4

4. Multi-Packs Save on Packaging and Delivery Emissions

4. Multi-Packs Save on Packaging and Delivery Emissions
Toothbrushes are something that you know you’ll need several of each year–more if you’re buying for your family. So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, it just makes sense to try to find one that comes in a pack.


This not only saves on packaging, but it also means that you’re not contributing to extra carbon emissions for deliveries of a single toothbrush three to four times a year.

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10 Best Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Ranking

Here are the best Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes, ranked according to 10 Best Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Eco Omega Solutions

Doc Omega Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

Eco Omega Solutions Doc Omega Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes 1

$13.69

Mid

Our Best Pick! Color Coded Biodegradable Brushes

2

ZeroBrush

ZeroBrush Bamboo Toothbrushes

ZeroBrush ZeroBrush Bamboo Toothbrushes 1

$12.99

Mid

Hefty Brush With a Robust Recycling Program

3

BAMBOEARTH

Bamboo Earth Biodegradable Toothbrushes

BAMBOEARTH Bamboo Earth Biodegradable Toothbrushes 1

$13.97

Mid

Completely Compostable Brushes

4

Bootrybe

Bootrybe Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set

Bootrybe Bootrybe Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set 1

$22.95

High Mid

All-in-One Eco-Friendly Dental Care Kit

5

Leafico

Leafico Bamboo Toothbrushes with Travel Case

Leafico Leafico Bamboo Toothbrushes with Travel Case 1

$14.97

Mid

Super Soft Bristles for Sensitive Gums

6

Preserve

Preserve Recycled Toothbrushes, Soft

Preserve Preserve Recycled Toothbrushes, Soft 1

$17.95

High Mid

Recycled Plastic That Can Be Re-Recylced

7

Himalayan Blue

Himalayan Blue Bamboo Natural Toothbrushes

Himalayan Blue Himalayan Blue Bamboo Natural Toothbrushes 1

$5.99

Low

Medium-Firm Bristles that Don’t Fall Out

8

Ecoture

Ecoture Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

Ecoture Ecoture Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes 1

$9.99

Low Mid

Bamboo Fiber and Nylon Composite Bristles

9

SimpliGOOD

SimpliGood Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes

SimpliGOOD SimpliGood Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes 1

$9.97

Low Mid

Cost-Effective, Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes

10

Cebra ethical skincare

Cebra Wooden Toothbrushes with Natural Hog Hair Bristles

Cebra ethical skincare Cebra Wooden Toothbrushes with Natural Hog Hair Bristles 1

$27.00

High

All-Natural, Biodegradable Boar Hair Toothbrushes

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Eco Omega SolutionsDoc Omega Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

Doc Omega Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.69
Mid
Reference price
$13.69
Mid

Our Best Pick! Color Coded Biodegradable Brushes

Features:
  • biodegradable nylon-6 bristles
  • ergonomic handle
  • each brush has a different colored head
  • comes with bamboo travel case

Recommended for:

  • zero-waste families who prefer an easy and fun way to tell their brushes apart

These bamboo toothbrushes feature medium-firm biodegradable nylon-6 bristles. They come as a set with four different naturally dyed heads so that each member of your family can easily tell theirs apart.


The handle is well sanded, so you never have to worry about rogue splinters, although it’s still important to let the brush air dry fully between uses to maximize its lifespan.
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No.2

ZeroBrushZeroBrush Bamboo Toothbrushes

Reference price
$12.99
Mid

Hefty Brush With a Robust Recycling Program

Features:
  • sheds water quickly when drying
  • stands on its own
  • unique recycling program

Recommended for:

  • a quick-drying brush that will last for longer

These brushes are great for those who like a little more heft in their hand–in fact, they can even stand on their own. They’re also designed to shed water more quickly as they’re drying in order to improve durability and longevity.


While the bristles are made from un-compostable nylon, the company encourages you to mail back the nylon portion (as well as any other plastic dental device you might have) for recycling.
No.3

BAMBOEARTHBamboo Earth Biodegradable Toothbrushes

Bamboo Earth Biodegradable Toothbrushes 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.97
Mid
Reference price
$13.97
Mid

Completely Compostable Brushes

Features: 
  • biodegradable and compostable handle
  • waterproof-coating and splinter-free design
  • 6 activated-charcoal brushes and 6 white brushes

Recommended for:

  • big families, or families with guests, who want lightweight, compostable brushes in a value pack

These toothbrushes feature medium-soft bristles made from BPA-free nylon with the bamboo handles being completely compostable and biodegradable. They're also very lightweight and the set comes with charcoal and non-charcoal toothbrushes.


The handles are numbered for easy identification, and if you’re unhappy with your brushes, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee
No.4

BootrybeBootrybe Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set

Bootrybe Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$22.95
High Mid
Reference price
$22.95
High Mid

All-in-One Eco-Friendly Dental Care Kit

Features:
  • laser-engraved designs
  • medium-soft bristles
  • comes with travel case and floss

Recommended for:

  • uniquely designed, sophisticated brushes with a bit more firmness

These toothbrushes each come with beautiful laser-engraved designs that’ll make you eager to brush your teeth every day. They feature contoured, medium-soft bristles that might appeal to those who find other bamboo brush bristles too soft.


On top of that, these toothbrushes come with a travel case and also a spool of eco-friendly bamboo fiber floss that comes in a reusable, refillable container.
No.5

LeaficoLeafico Bamboo Toothbrushes with Travel Case

Leafico Bamboo Toothbrushes with Travel Case 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.97
Mid
Reference price
$14.97
Mid

Super Soft Bristles for Sensitive Gums

Features:
  • super-soft bristles
  • ergonomic handle
  • numbered brushes
  • comes with a bamboo case

Recommended for:

  • easy portability with a bacteria-free travel case for peace of mind

These ergonomically shaped toothbrushes have super soft bristles that are great for even the most sensitive gums. Each toothbrush is numbered so that multiple people can use them at once without getting mixed up.


This pack comes with one bamboo case that is naturally bacteria-resistant so that you can travel with some peace of mind. They also come in compostable, waste-free packaging.
No.6

PreservePreserve Recycled Toothbrushes, Soft

Preserve Recycled Toothbrushes, Soft 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.95
High Mid
Reference price
$17.95
High Mid

Recycled Plastic That Can Be Re-Recylced

Features:
  • made of recycled plastic
  • 3 levels of bristle firmness
  • durable and made in the USA

Recommended for:

  • the feel and look of a normal brush, with some eco-friendly benefits and a great recycle program

These toothbrushes are made from recycled #5 plastic. They’re durable, shaped to fit your mouth, and don’t take any getting used to. They come in three different levels of bristle firmness and are made in the USA.


Though they aren’t biodegradable, the company will recycle them once you’re done–just drop them off at a “Gimme 5” bin at your local Whole Foods or mail them in.
No.7

Himalayan BlueHimalayan Blue Bamboo Natural Toothbrushes

Himalayan Blue Bamboo Natural Toothbrushes 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.99
Low
Reference price
$5.99
Low

Medium-Firm Bristles that Don’t Fall Out

Features:
  • firm bristles
  • different image on each handle for easy identification
  • designed so bristles do not fall out from regular use

Recommended for:

  • a sustainable choice that sheds fewer bristles

These bamboo toothbrushes are on the firmer side compared to other eco-friendly toothbrush options. They also feature a design that helps to prevent the bristles from falling out during use.


Each brush has a different image on it so that everyone in your family can use one without getting mixed up. The handle is sanded smooth, though after a few uses, you may start to feel some texture in the grip.
No.8

EcotureEcoture Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

Ecoture Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid

Bamboo Fiber and Nylon Composite Bristles

Features:
  • bamboo fiber-nylon composite mix bristles
  • recycled paper packaging
  • rounded-wooden handle for easy gripping

Recommended for:

  • clean and interesting, thick-handle design with soft bristles and absolutely no plastic used in the packaging

These toothbrushes have a pleasant, sturdy feel in your hand and are made from sustainable bamboo. The bristles are made from a bamboo fiber and nylon composite and are soft without being too soft. 


However, some reviewers note that the handle can feel unfinished and rough and may require some sanding in order to be fully comfortable. If that’s not a risk you’re willing to take, it might make sense to look elsewhere.
No.9

SimpliGOODSimpliGood Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes

SimpliGood Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.97
Low Mid
Reference price
$9.97
Low Mid

Cost-Effective, Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes

Features:
  • BPA-free, plant-based plastic
  • very soft charcoal-infused nylon bristles
  • all-paper packaging

Recommended for:

  • if you want a brush that's still plastic-based, but slightly healthier for the environment

These simple toothbrushes are made from BPA-free, plant-based plastics that are biodegradable under the right conditions. They have super soft, super fine bristles that are gentle on your gums and reach even the smallest nooks and crannies.


It comes in all-paper packaging, and each purchase goes towards providing dental products to children in need. However, you should check with your local recycler to see if they accept bioplastics before you purchase.
No.10

Cebra ethical skincareCebra Wooden Toothbrushes with Natural Hog Hair Bristles

Cebra Wooden Toothbrushes with Natural Hog Hair Bristles 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$27.00
High
Reference price
$27.00
High

All-Natural, Biodegradable Boar Hair Toothbrushes

Features:
  • wooden handle and plastic derived from corn
  • medium-hard boar hair bristles
  • large head

Recommended for:

  • people interested in a completely natural brush made from unique materials

This toothbrush is just about as all-natural as you can get. The handle is made from wood, the bristles are boar hair, and even the plastic it comes in is made from corn. It has a larger than average head, and the bristles are around medium hardness.


However, you do need to take care of it in a particular way in order for it to work for as long as you need it to. For example, you should leave it resting lying down rather than standing in a cup or stand. It’s also quite expensive at $14 per brush.

Other Great Products to Start Your Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

There are plenty of other ways to incorporate sustainable products into your lifestyle, such as buying eco-friendly detergents, sponges, and mops. Even the littlest change can make a big difference, so consider the links below if you're thinking of going low-waste!

Buying Guide Reviewed by Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo

Jaeyoung Yoo
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

No. 1: Eco Omega SolutionsDoc Omega Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes

No. 2: ZeroBrushZeroBrush Bamboo Toothbrushes

No. 3: BAMBOEARTHBamboo Earth Biodegradable Toothbrushes

No. 4: BootrybeBootrybe Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrush Set

No. 5: LeaficoLeafico Bamboo Toothbrushes with Travel Case

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