You have recently switched to a sustainable lifestyle. The next thing you do is to start going through the products in your home. Then, you begin to think about how you can replace them to support this change.

Let’s zone in on your oral hygiene and how you can choose products that support your zero-waste lifestyle. Let’s talk about toothbrushes, to be very specific. This time, you want to make this change to reduce your plastic waste from filling the landfills. You wonder if boar bristle toothbrushes are a suitable replacement.

Let us step back in history. First, you will see that boar bristle toothbrushes have been around for quite a while. So, boar bristle toothbrushes did not just come about. This was the widely-used variety of oral care during the 15th to the 18th centuries in Europe and China.

People like boar bristle toothbrushes because they do not damage our gums and teeth. That is if you compare it to using a branch of some tree during pre-historic times. This is not something you would like to scrub your mouth with. Moreover, we can say that buying toothbrushes with natural bristles is making a comeback. Now that most people are getting into a sustainable lifestyle.

The market recommends these boar bristle toothbrushes nowadays. The manufacturers of these bristles make them from boar hair which comes from China and India. First, they harvest boar hair, then clean it by boiling it. After they clean and straighten it, they attach this to a biodegradable handle.

How good are these boar bristle toothbrushes as a natural replacement for plastic toothbrushes? I knew you were going to ask that. So, let me give you the facts. Both the handle and the bristles are 100% biodegradable and compostable. This alone supports the zero-waste movement. It even comes in biodegradable packaging. They are part of natural renewable energy. Hence, you don’t have to worry about them polluting the environment and filling up the landfills. Rest your heart, eco-warriors. We assure you that we are with you in taking care of Mother Earth.

Now let us debunk those negative reviews and complaints about these natural bristles one by one.

Some first-time users may find that boar bristle toothbrushes may be stiff. Yet, these toothbrush bristles are still soft enough not to damage your gums. To be honest, these boar bristles are less abrasive compared to nylon bristles. They don’t inflict damage to the tooth enamel. They are also durable and effective at plaque removal and preventing bacterial buildup. Thus, they work as well as their nylon counterparts, if not better.

How to care tips for your boar bristle toothbrush

Other first-time users may have complained that boar bristles come off while it is being used. This might be because they are brushing their teeth harder than what was needed. Hard brushing is not recommended by dentists. This can lead to gum sensitivity and break the tooth enamel. This leads to some of the common tooth problems we may encounter. As long as we use it to gently brush our teeth, we should not be worried about the bristles coming off while we use them.

Now, let’s talk about how you can keep these boar bristle toothbrushes squeaky clean. But unfortunately, people overlook ensuring that their oral caretaker is sanitized.

The result of this is an unsatisfactory experience with these natural bristles.

Let us talk about this in this section.

The first time you get your boar bristle toothbrush, fill up a mug with boiling water, then allow the brush’s head to soak in it for 10-15 minutes. This removes the residual smell and loose bristles, so they won’t come off when you start using them. This takes care of that residual smell and taste. Most first-time boar bristle users complain about this. Moreover, this is a good practice of ensuring that you sanitize your toothbrush before you use it. And this goes for all types of bristles, whether they are natural or inorganic.

Let’s go through an essential part of your toothbrush care. First, run the toothbrush bristles through hot water for 30 seconds before you use them. Then, once you’re done with those 2-minute brushing, shake out excess water. Finally, allow your toothbrush to completely dry out by keeping the bristles upright. This takes care of that funky smell that builds over time. Some first-time boar bristle toothbrush users may talk about the funky smell in their online reviews.

Now, this may seem like a lot of work, but honestly? We must care for all types of toothbrushes to keep them hygienic and bacteria-free. Unfortunately, this practice may not be as widespread as it should be.

We have clarified the most common complaints against boar bristle toothbrushes. You may find these reviews when you go your own merry way on that internet research. Along with that, we have armed you with the proper care of your boar bristle toothbrushes. Hence, are you almost ready to make the switch to a natural bristle? Let us quickly summarize the good points, shall we?

So, what’s our final verdict on boar bristle toothbrushes? Are they good enough?

Boar bristle toothbrushes are the way to go. A most definite yes, especially if you are starting with your zero-waste journey. They are biodegradable, break down quickly. You can include them in your compost, unlike those nylon toothbrushes. Besides, they deliver the same results as nylon bristle toothbrushes. They can do the job of keeping your chompers clean and white. They support sustainability. They reduce landfill wastes and leave zero hazardous impact on the planet.

I hope this was helpful in your decision. Now that you are truly embracing the more sustainable and more environmental way of life. Are you now ready to make the switch?