Do Wooden Toothbrushes Get Moldy?

Natural wood toothbrushes may encourage the growth of mold faster than their plastic counterparts. However, with proper care and storage, you won’t have to worry about it.

Over one billion toothbrushes are thrown away each year in the United States, contributing up to 50 million pounds of waste, meaning that a small switch could make a big difference. From caring for your wooden toothbrush to sustainably disposing of it, here’s everything you need to know about your new eco-friendly oral hygiene routine.

How to Take Care of Your Wooden Toothbrush

To ensure your wooden toothbrush doesn’t grow mold, be sure to let your toothbrush completely dry when you’re done brushing your teeth. Organic materials, including natural wood and biodegradable bamboo, start growing mold in warm and moist conditions.

Natural wood toothbrushes require more care than traditional plastic toothbrushes. After brushing your teeth, dry your toothbrush gently using a towel and store it upright in a glass jar or container. Keep in mind that your toothbrush’s wooden handle might change color naturally. This is normal, and it is not a sign that your toothbrush is growing mold.

How to Disinfect a Wooden Toothbrush

While it’s essential to disinfect your toothbrush periodically, strong chemical disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide aren’t necessary.

According to the American Dental Association, commercial products can’t sanitize toothbrushes, and there is insufficient evidence that bacterial growth on toothbrushes can lead to adverse oral health effects.

To keep your toothbrush mold-free, opt for a normal cleaning routine, drying and storing your toothbrush in an upright position. With proper care, you won’t have to worry about your toothbrush growing mold.

How to Dispose of a Wooden Toothbrush

Generally, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. However, because worn toothbrushes clean your teeth less effectively, you may need to replace your toothbrush sooner if the bristles become frayed.

To dispose of your wooden toothbrush, start by removing the bristles using a pair of pliers. Next, compost the handle in a compost pile. If you don’t have access to a compost pile, you can dispose of your old toothbrush in a bio/organic waste bin.

Alternatively, you can boil your toothbrush in hot water to clean it and reuse it around your house. Old toothbrushes are ideal for cleaning your bathroom, cleaning cooking tools, and even marking plants in your garden.

Cruelty-free oral care products

Taking care of your oral health is essential. To make your oral hygiene routine more sustainable, swap your old plastic toothbrush for a natural wooden toothbrush from Terra & Co. Our non-toxic bamboo charcoal toothbrushes are infused with activated charcoal for an enhanced teeth-whitening effect, with soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.

Count on us for environmentally-friendly, cruelty-free oral care products that are good for you and good for Planet Earth.