Have you ever question why you need to replace your toothbrush every three months ?
If you are thinking - its a scheme by toothbrush makers to sell their products more, its wrong. This is a recommendation from Dentists all across the globe and they have valid rational for the same.
Main reason is Bacteria - Toothbrush actually removes bacteria from your teeth and mouth, after brushing may be some bacteria are stays in brush. If brush stays in warm-damp environment these bacteria will breed and after few days toothbrush will become source of bacteria rather than a cleaning tool. Secondly, Bristles may become hard overtime and could be tough on your enamel.
However, even knowing above I wanted to explore the way how life of toothbrush can be increased. I don't want to even estimate, the impact of toothbrush all over the globe has on the environment, 7.7 billion people changing toothbrush 4 times a year! Even I don't remember how many toothbrushes I have used in my life, and all of them must be lying somewhere or the other landfill. There are many blogs describing the impact of toothbrush on environment, if interested can read here
Photo by courtesy of www.foreo.com/mysa
This curiosity of how badly it can impact, I started an experiment about 3 years ago, where I continued using my toothbrush, which I am still using it. Now the name of company is also gone, I guess it was Coalgate if not Peposodent.
The only change I did was taking a bit care of it, making sure it is always kept in the upright position so it can dry properly. Ensure the toothbrush, mainly the bristles don't touch anywhere, not even any other toothbrush.
Keep it in direct sun every few weeks to sterilize it. Sun is natural sterilizer, learned from my mom, when she use to dry clothes in direct sun, and at least once a year she will keep all warm clothes, pillows, mattress in direct sun for 3-4 hours.
By placing directly in sun, UV light actually damage the DNA of bacteria and microorganism, and it can kill and stop their reproduction.
Initially after 6-7 months I asked my family members, "is this brush needs a change or can be used more", and I kept doing for another 1 year. Surprisingly, they didn't realize why I kept asking, its the same brush.
I have carried this brush in all my travels, from multiple cities in India, to and some other countries too and it is still going good. People can be used for some few weeks, However, what I can share is this is the state of bristles about an year ago also. Another advise, while travelling pack the brush in a separate bag and never wrap it when it is wet.
Since the blog-series is about #Livingforfuture I would like to introduce to all available options.
Electric brushes are better than the normal ones, considering only bristles need to be changed, so amount of plastic waste generation in less. However, at the same time these brushes uses battery - which if not disposed properly will generate green house gases as they decompose in landfills. I wonder why no one has come up with a solution of normal toothbrush with replaceable heads.
There are couple of Eco-friendly brushes available in market now, Recycle from yogurt cups, bamboo sticks ; aluminum toothbrush with replaceable heads, silicon toothbrush etc. At least they will help to reduce some impact on the environment.
The best one off-course is the Neem sticks (Azadirachta indica) - best because it has anti-microbial content which prevents plaque formation, and it also whitens teeth. This comes with additional benefit that these sticks doesn't need any toothpaste..all in one!!
Now you know all possible options, choose the one depending on how much you really care about environment! After all, Choice is Yours!!
Be wise, Be aware and Be a part in a better tomorrow.