Plastic-Mouth: Sustainable Doesn't Always Mean Safe

You may not think much of it, but your toothbrush and floss are some of the most intimate products in your life. It goes in your mouth twice a day, every day, for years. So wouldn't it be important to consider what they're made of...and what they're shedding...when you use them?

In a time where more companies are turning to sustainable options, many are flaunting a sustainable upgrade from full‑plastic toothbrushes to versions with a bamboo or compostable handle. We're seeing companies using recycled plastic for floss or coating bamboo floss in recycled plastic (nylon) for 'easy glide.' 

A meaningful step for reducing waste in landfills and the ocean BUT not so good for your need to reduce microplastic intake. 

Because in the case of most “sustainable” brushes, the handle is eco‑friendly while the bristles are still made with nylon, a petroleum‑based plastic. And even though those bristles, or your bamboo floss, may be made with recycled plastic water bottles to help reduce landfill impact, that plastic is still shedding.

So, if the goal is to reduce plastic exposure for both you and the planet, the handle, the bristles and your floss components ALL matter.

Microplastics in Oral Care: The Science

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (typically under 5 mm) that come from a breakdown of larger plastics or are manufactured at small sizes. These come not only from water bottles shedding into water but from plastics that are biodegradable (not the same as compostable), synthetic materials that shed while washing, and even those paper cups made for beverages that are lined with plastic.

Over the past decade, microplastics have been detected in oceans, soil, drinking water, food, human blood, breast milk, and multiple tissues (including the brain), raising concern about cumulative exposure and overall health effects.

Naturally, oral care is now under the microscope as a direct source of microplastics.

A 2024 lab analysis of oral healthcare products found microplastic contamination in all products tested, with toothbrushes showing the highest microplastic count—around 30–120 particles per brush.

Investigators noted that toothbrush bristles and plastic components shed small fragments, fibers, and films during normal use.

While other reports highlight that conventional nylon bristles are manufactured from petroleum‑based plastics and, under mechanical friction, can release microscopic particles that enter saliva, embed near gum tissue, or get swallowed.

Yuck!

Studies have even identified microplastics in human saliva, dental plaque, and within tooth enamel, indicating that the mouth is both an exposure site and a reservoir for microplastic accumulation.

Now, we understand that not everyone swallows toothpaste or bristle fragments on purpose, and we also know that many of you are not flossing as much as you should...probably not a bad thing in the case of microplastics...but it is nearly impossible to brush or floss without ingesting and or depositing some of what is being released.

So when you multiply that by 2–3x per day over decades, the exposure really adds up.

Microplastics and Systemic Health

Since we can't SEE the effects, we have to at least ask, what actually happens after microplastics enter the body?

Because micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in human blood and multiple organs, this confirms that they do not simply pass through the gut like food.

Experimental studies show that nanosized plastic particles can cross the blood–brain barrier, enter brain tissue, and contribute to neurotoxic effects.

A 2025 review on micro- and nanoplastic neurotoxicity concluded that exposure can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, cell damage, and interfere with neurotransmitter systems; certain plastic particles increased markers of neuron apoptosis (programmed cell death) and altered normal brain tissue structure in animal models.

Some work suggests interactions with proteins like alpha‑synuclein may worsen pathological processes seen in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

A 2025 mechanistic study reported that microplastics in the bloodstream can be taken up by immune cells, obstruct microcirculation, and contribute to cerebral thrombosis (clots in brain vessels), leading to brain injury and neurobehavioral changes in experimental models.

Microplastics can also act as chronic irritants, stimulating immune responses and potentially contributing to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked with many chronic diseases.

This happens because microplastics can physically irritate the gut lining, act as carriers for chemicals like plasticizers and flame retardants, and provide surfaces where bacteria can adhere and form biofilms. 

Considering science is only recently questioning the effects of microplastics on the body, the research is still catching up. 

Though one thing is clear, the combination of microplastics in blood, the ability of nanoscale plastics to cross into the brain, and signs of oxidative and inflammatory damage is enough reason for us to proactively reduce avoidable plastic exposure—especially when better alternatives exist!

Truly Plastic‑Free Oral Care

This is where we come in. We sell only plastic-free options! Let's break it down...

A truly eco‑friendly oral care solution: bamboo handle + castor bean bristles + bamboo floss

Toothbrush handles and floss are made from organic bamboo, a fast‑growing, renewable resource that is compostable or biodegradable at end of life. No hidden plastics.

Bristles are made from castor beans, a plant‑based material that can be composted along with the handle.

Packaging is cardboard and fully compostable, keeping plastic out of the product and out of landfills.

This addresses both sides of the eco-friendly coin: it keeps plastic out of your mouth and out of long‑term waste streams.

What to Know When Making the Switch

And yes, there are some differences.

If you're moving from conventional or “semi‑eco” brushes to a fully plastic‑free option, a few practical things to consider:

Feel & technique

A bamboo handle may feel lighter or slightly different in grip compared to molded plastic. Most people adjust within a few days.

Castor bean bristles can feel slightly different in stiffness compared with standard nylon, depending on the specific design (usually labeled “soft”). Try brushing with your non-dominant hand while you get used to the pressure. And as usual, use gentle circular motions and the same brushing time recommended by your dentist.

Care & longevity

Rinse thoroughly and let your brush air‑dry upright between uses to prevent moisture damage to bamboo. While your bamboo brush is naturally water resistant, it's best to avoid leaving it lying in water or a sealed, wet container.

Similar to your conventional brush, replace every 2–3 months or sooner if bristles fray. 

End‑of‑life

Our toothbrushes and floss are 100% compostable so you can toss them in your compost bin or straight in the trash with no worries about negatively impacting the environment.

Your toothbrush can also be repurposed for cleaning or garden markers.

Create an awareness routine

A toothbrush, plastic or not, doesn’t cancel out other sources of microplastics (packaging, clothing fibers, bottled drinks), but it’s a high‑frequency exposure point you can easily transform.

Think of it as essential part of a broader “microplastic‑light” lifestyle: switch to glass or stainless containers, reduce intake of ultra‑processed foods, eliminate or reduce plastic in cooking and storage containers (especially for hot foods), and choose filtered water where appropriate.

Switching to truly eco‑friendly, fully compostable, plastic‑free oral care is a small but potent way to align your daily actions with long‑term health goals.

Less plastic against your gums.

Less plastic in your gut, bloodstream and brain over time.

Less plastic in the oceans, soil, and future food chain.

Yes, the science on microplastics is still evolving, but one thing is clear: we are already exposed to more plastic than any previous generation. Whenever there’s a simple, effective way to opt out—like choosing bamboo and castor bean instead of nylon—it’s a powerful move for both personal health and planetary wellness.