Table of Contents
6 Best Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Brands for an Eco-Friendly Smile
This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission on purchases, at no additional cost to you. Learn more →
If you're in the market for a new sustainable electric toothbrush, you're in luck.
When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? The American Dental Association advises replacing our brushes every three to four months. At that rate, the U.S. alone would throw away one billion plastic toothbrushes each year. That’s a lot of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, taking an estimated 500 years to fully biodegrade.
Want to keep your teeth clean without harming the planet? You’re in the right place! We’ve got the scoop on the best eco-friendly toothbrushes and the top electric toothbrush of 2024. Think of it as your guide to sustainable oral care.
Why Choose a Sustainable Electric Toothbrush?
While there has been some speculation, most reports indicate that electric toothbrushes are the best at removing plaque and improving gum health. But what if you could enjoy these benefits while also protecting the environment? Enter sustainable electric toothbrushes, designed to be durable, with replaceable parts to extend their lifespan. Here’s what to look for:
-
Eco-Friendly Materials: Look for toothbrushes made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastics.
-
Replaceable Heads: Opt for models with replaceable heads to reduce waste.
-
Rechargeable Batteries: Choose toothbrushes with long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
-
Minimal Packaging: Ensure the packaging is recyclable or compostable.
-
Ethical Manufacturing: Support brands committed to fair labor practices and responsible sourcing.
Electric toothbrushes can be excellent travel companions, and an eco electric toothbrush is even better.
Sparkling Teeth, Clean Planet: Our Top Picks
If you're an oral hygiene junkie dedicated to good oral care and protecting the environment, what are you to do? Don't fret, there are plenty of eco friendly electric toothbrush options for you to explore.
What Are the Best Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Brands?
SURI I shop here*
Sustainable Tomorrow I shop here*
PearlBar I shop here*
Georganics I shop here*
Foreo ISSA I shop here*
Etee I shop here*
Best Sustainable Electric Toothbrushes
We picked these electric toothbrush brands because they stand out for their eco-friendly features and effectiveness. Our criteria included sustainable certifications, sustainable materials, and user satisfaction.
SURI MicraSonic Electric Toothbrush* Top Pick
Pricing: $116
Highlights:
-
Aluminum body
-
Replaceable, plant-based brush heads
-
UV-C light cleaning travel case
-
40-day battery life
Best For: those who value cleanliness thanks to their UV-C cleaning case. Offering an easy-to-use, highly effective brushing experience, these brushes offer great value at a relatively low price point.
Certfications: SURI is a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Overview: SURI's MicraSonic electric toothbrush is compact yet powerful, with 33,000 vibrations/min housed in a durable matte aluminium body. Each disposable brush head is made from castor oil and corn starch, with medium/soft bristles for precise cleaning.
SURI stands out as the top choice among sustainable electric toothbrushes in 2024, blending innovative design with recyclable materials and superior functionality at a reasonable price point. This eco friendly toothbrush is popular among environmentalists looking for a sleek and stylish option that comes in low waste packaging and leaves you with clean teeth.
Featuring a durable aluminum body, SURI ensures longevity and recyclability. Its biodegradable brush heads, made from castor oil and corn starch, offer effective dental care while minimizing environmental impact.
A key innovation of SURI is its UV-C light cleaning travel case, which sanitizes brush heads, eliminating up to 99% of bacteria. This feature extends the lifespan of brush heads, reducing replacement frequency and waste. SURI boasts an impressive battery life of up to 40 days per charge, minimizing energy consumption.
As a certified B Corporation, SURI upholds the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility in its manufacturing practices.
Thanks to its sonic cleaning technology and dual-speed modes, SURI's eco-friendly electric toothbrushes have received thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers.
Image @SURI
Sustainable Tomorrow Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush*
Pricing: $80
Highlights:
-
Up to 38,000 vibrations per minute,
-
One hour charge lasts up to 30 days
-
2-minute timer for perfect brush times
Best For: Budget shoppers looking for an environmentally friendly electric toothbrush that doesn't compromise on quality.
Overview: Sustainable Tomorrow’s bamboo electric toothbrush offers powerful sonic cleaning with five cleaning modes and up to 38,000 vibrations per minute. Their organic brush heads are made of 95% raw bamboo, with 4% sustainably sourced cornstarch PLA and 1% plant-based castor nut oil bristles.
Hundreds of happy customers rave about this brushes excellent cleaning modes and capabilities, plus its stylish bamboo body and affordable replacement electric toothbrush heads.
Shop Sustainable Tomorrow's affordable electric toothbrush here.*
Image @Sustainable Tomorrow
PearlBar Sonic Electric Toothbrush*
Pricing: $120
Highlights:
-
Powerful sonic cleaning technology with five cleaning modes and 35,000 pulses per minute
-
Includes 1-year warranty and 9 months' supply of brush heads
Best For: oral hygiene enthusiasts seeking a professional-grade clean.
Overview: PearlBar’s Bamboo Sonic Electric Toothbrush offers cutting-edge dental care right in the comfort of your eco-friendly bathroom. PearlBar claims its powerful sonic cleaning capabilities are recommended by 95% of dentists for gum health and stain removal. Users love its bamboo-like packaging and long-lasting charge-- though consumers should note the body and brush heads are made of recyclable plastic and metals, not bamboo. Although this is not a bamboo electric toothbrush, it's still a great eco friendly electric toothbrush option thanks to its durable design and excellent ability to clean teeth.
Shop PearlBar's electric toothbrush here.*
Image @PearlBar
Georganics Sonic Toothbrush*
Pricing: $99
Highlights:
-
Sonic cleaning technology of 50,000 strokes per minute
-
Five cleaning modes
-
Long battery life of up to 5 weeks with USB charging
-
Certified by the FDA and CE
Best For: Anyone serious about oral health, especially those with braces, seeking a thorough clean and a customizable brushing experience.
Certifications: Georganics holds The Vegan Trademark, a certification from Cruelty Free International, and a certification from Cosmos Organic & Cormos Natural. Their electric toothbrushes are FDA and CE certified, too.
Overview: This high-quality Georganics sonic toothbrush combines sonic cleaning technology with customizable brushing modes, making it ideal for thorough oral care. Customers rave about its powerful vibrations and long-lasting battery, perfect for the avid traveler.
Georganics takes great care to reduce waste through plastic-free packaging and recyclable plastic brushes, making it a top choice for sustainable oral hygiene enthusiasts.
Shop Georganics sonic toothbrush here*
Image @Georganics
Foreo ISSA Hybrid*
Pricing: $189
Highlights:
-
16 modes and intensities for a customizable oral hygiene routine
-
Made with PBT polymer and medical-grade silicone
-
Travel lock and pouch for easy on-the-go
-
USB charge lasts up to 365 days
Best For: those seeking comprehensive oral care with cutting-edge technology that's gentle yet effective. If you don't want to bother with recharging your brush, the ISSA could be for you thanks to its extremely long battery life.
Overview: An investment in oral health, the Foreo ISSA Hybrid combines innovation with practicality. Pros include its long-lasting charge and ultra-hygienic design, praised for effective plaque removal. However, its higher price point may not fit all budgets.
Users appreciate its durability under warranty and unique brush heads that last two times longer than conventional toothbrushes.
Image @FOREO Issa
Etee
Pricing: $95
Highlights:
-
Compostable bamboo brush heads
-
1-month battery life
-
Castor bean oil bristles
-
Five cleaning modes: clean, whiten, polish, gum care, and sensitive
Best For: those looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on oral hygiene
Certifications: Certified bamboo and biodegradable corn-based packaging.
Overview: Etee's brush heads are made from fast-growing bamboo, ensuring biodegradability upon proper disposal. The electric bamboo toothbrush body is fully recyclable while still providing an optimal clean. Featuring castor bean oil bristles, this eco friendly electric toothbrush stands as one of the most eco friendly electric toothbrush options on the market today.
Etee’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the product itself. The company’s factory is powered by renewable energy, and all products are shipped plastic-free. Additionally, Etee supports environmental initiatives such as tree planting and donations to various organizations.
Shop Etee's sustainable electric toothbrush options online here.
Image @Etee
These were the best eco friendly electric toothbrush brands
What Makes an Electric Toothbrush Sustainable?
Sustainable Materials
Sustainable toothbrushes use renewable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, and cornstarch. These materials are chosen for their low environmental impact. By avoiding virgin plastics, an eco friendly electric toothbrush helps reduce overall waste.
Is bamboo biodegradable?
Yes, Bamboo is a natural material that biodegrades and biodegrades relatively quickly under the right composting conditions, taking a few months to a few years. Proper disposal is crucial to ensure it actually biodegrades. Bamboo also grows rapidly without pesticides or fertilizers, making it a low-carbon-footprint alternative to plastic.
Are castor bean oil bristles biodegradable?
Like bamboo,the biodegradability of castor bean oil bristles depends on environmental conditions. Some sources claim they break down naturally and can be composted at home. While not perfect, bristles made from 100% castor oil or a mix of castor oil and nylon are better alternatives to entirely plastic toothbrushes.
There are serious challenges in finding a truly plastic-free, biodegradable alternative to nylon bristles that isn't animal hair. Currently, the best available option is bristles made from 100% castor oil or a mix of 62% castor oil and 38% nylon for softer bristles, which reduces petroleum-based plastic content. While this isn't a perfect solution, it is seen as a better alternative to entirely plastic toothbrushes. The search for fully biodegradable bristles continues, emphasizing the need for innovation in this area.
Energy Efficiency
A sustainable electric toothbrush should have efficient, long-lasting batteries that minimize energy consumption, reducing the frequency of recharging and saving electricity. While not the most sustainable option, electric toothbrushes are highly effective at cleaning teeth. The best eco-friendly models eliminate plastic heads, balancing sustainability with superior oral hygiene.
Longevity
An electric toothbrush that is sustainable should be designed to be durable, often with replaceable parts to extend their lifespan. A long-lasting electric toothbrush means fewer replacements and less waste. Eco friendly electric toothbrushes are built to last, which means fewer replacements and less waste. A durable design ensures that you get more use out of one product. Longevity is key to reducing the overall environmental footprint.
Minimal Packaging
A sustainable electric toothbrush should come with minimal, recyclable packaging to cut down on waste. Or compostable Using less packaging material means fewer resources are used overall. Plus, recyclable packaging helps keep waste out of landfills.
Ethical Production
An eco friendly electric toothbrush should be produced with a commitment to fair labor conditions and responsible sourcing. Ethical practices ensure that everyone involved is treated fairly. This approach also emphasizes environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Image @Sustainable Tomorrow*
Key features of an excellent electric toothbrush
A great electric toothbrush includes:
-
Replaceable heads
-
Sonic technology
-
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
-
Recyclable or biodegradable components
Some brands offer recycling programs for used brush heads, allowing you to recycle specific parts of your electric brush. These eco-friendly alternatives aim to disrupt the oral care industry, making conventional plastic toothbrushes a thing of the past.
The best eco friendly electric toothbrush brands take great care to reduce their environmental impact, while still providing an excellent user experience. From a bamboo electric toothbrush to one offering five cleaning modes, there is sure to be a perfect match for your oral hygiene routine.
What is the history of toothbrushes?
Only in recent history that humans started creating massive waste for good oral hygiene. Sticks were the first natural tool used to clean our mouths, archaeologists even found some in Egyptian tombs. Far from today’s electric toothbrush.
Over time, people used natural items like porcupine quills, cattle bones, boar bristles, cloth scraps and even fingers to clean their teeth. When the link between oral health and overall health was established, toothbrushing campaigns spread across the country.
But using an actual “toothbrush” is relatively new. In the early 1920s, only 25% of Americans had one. Far from today where most families have multiple toothbrushes and even have some for guests.
The problem with modern conventional plastic toothbrushes
Toothbrush waste is a big problem because they’re hard to recycle. Made from different materials like handles and bristles, they’re a challenge for recycling machines.
Most traditional toothbrushes end up in landfills where they don’t fully break down and become microplastics that harm the environment. Making and disposing of plastic toothbrushes also produces greenhouse gases and releases toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene in the air.
Why even use an electric toothbrush?
Using a conventional toothbrush might seem convenient, but it's important to think about the bigger picture. Plastic toothbrushes can contain toxic chemicals like BPA, which may disrupt hormones and lead to cancer and infertility.
Plus, plastic brushes are a major contributor to pollution, harming our oceans and killing millions of wildlife each year. Every plastic toothbrush used since the 1930s still exists on our planet today.
A study comparing various toothbrushes found that electric ones have the highest environmental impact, especially in terms of climate change. Bamboo toothbrushes and plastic ones with replaceable heads are much more sustainable.
Yet, electric brushes offer the best at-home clean. Sustainable electric toothbrush brands create the best of both worlds by reducing plastic waste and the harm we cause to our environment. And that's not even to mention the incredible benefits to your oral health! Investing in an eco friendly electric toothbrush is a great way to incorporate sustainability into your daily life.
Sonic cleaning technology in electric toothbrushes uses high-frequency vibrations to provide thorough plaque removal and gentle cleaning along the gum line and between teeth. These rapid movements create dynamic fluid forces that reach areas where traditional brushing often misses.
Electric toothbrushes with sonic cleaning technology, like the ones mentioned in this article, help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Its gentle yet effective cleaning action makes it a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy smile.
Key Features and Benefits of a Sustainable Electric Toothbrush
Modern dental tools are designed to minimize plastic waste, reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices while offering health benefits and long term cost efficiency.
Data-Backed Benefits
Studies consistently show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at plaque removal and improving oral health compared to using a manual toothbrush. Electric brushes reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Sustainable electric toothbrushes create additional benefits such as reduced exposure to dangerous chemicals and microplastics.
Environmental Impact
One of the main reason to choose an eco friendly electric toothbrush is the significant reduction of plastic waste. Traditional toothbrush contributes to the massive plastic pollution problem, while eco friendly options have replaceable heads made from sustainable materials like bamboo or biodegradable plastics.
These materials decompose naturally when disposed of properly. If not biodegradable, they should at least be recyclable.
Many eco friendly electric toothbrushes also have rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for disposable lithium batteries that end up in landfills. The sustainable packaging of these eco friendly brands further minimizes plastic waste and the entire product lifecycle is designed to be environmentally sustainable.
Health Benefits
Beyond environmental benefits, eco friendly electric toothbrushes has health benefits. Its advanced cleaning technology provides deep plaque removal, reaches areas that manual brushing often miss. This reduces plaque buildup and improves gum health as proven by dental studies.
Cost Efficiency
While the initial cost of an eco friendly electric toothbrush is higher than manual one, the long term savings is significant. These toothbrushes are built to be durable with replaceable brush heads and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
In the long run, this design reduces the cost of buying new toothbrushes and disposable batteries, making it a smart investment for your wallet and the planet.
How to Choose the Best Eco Friendly Electric Toothbrush
If you’re looking for a new toothbrush, look no further. By considering the best eco friendly electric toothbrush features, finding the right toothbrush is easy.
-
Look for Compatibility: Ensure the brush heads are compatible with your existing toothbrush. This saves resources and money.
-
Battery Life: Choose models with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. This reduces waste and inconvenience.
-
Recycling Programs: Look for brands offering recycling programs for used brush heads. This helps keep plastic out of landfills.
-
Certifications: Check for certifications like B Corp or Climate Neutral. These indicate the brand's commitment to sustainability.
Go Sustainable
Choosing an eco friendly electric toothbrush is a choice that follows sustainable living principles without sacrificing oral health benefits. As we become more aware of the environmental issues, we become more conscious of our everyday choices like toothbrushes so we can have a healthier future for the next generation.
Traditional electric toothbrushes is harming our planet. Your smile can now shine bright without costing the Earth! Go sustainable and upgrade your dental health and the planet.
With eco materials and smart charging, these brushes is a step towards a sustainable tomorrow. What’s your eco friendly tip for good oral hygiene?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eco friendly electric toothbrush?
An eco friendly electric toothbrush is designed to reduce environmental impact through eco friendly materials and energy efficiency. They are often plastic free, made of raw bamboo and comes in plastic free packaging.
Can electric toothbrushes be eco friendly?
Yes, electric toothbrushes can be eco friendly if they use sustainable materials and have efficient, ethical, rechargeable batteries. Most have replaceable brush head that is plastic free, recyclable and comes in zero waste packaging. Simply replace the brush head when you’re done and dispose according to instructions.
If you have a bamboo electric toothbrush, this means you may need to remove the soft bristles and dispose the brush head in a home or commercial compost bin.
Are Bamboo Toothbrushes Really Sustainable?
Bamboo toothbrushes is more sustainable because bamboo is a fast growing natural material. Eco friendly electric toothbrush brands often choose this material because it’s plastic free and has an eco friendly footprint.
Bamboo is an eco friendly material because it grows without pesticides and fertilizers unlike plastic which is derived from petroleum. Bamboo toothbrushes last as long as plastic ones but is compostable and will break down faster. It also has a smaller carbon footprint than plastic toothbrushes.
Is Bamboo Toothbrush Better than Plastic?
Yes, bamboo toothbrush is better than plastic because it reduces plastic waste and is biodegradable if disposed of as organic waste compost. Bamboo items is generally more eco friendly because plastic is a non renewable resource.
Do Bamboo Electric Toothbrushes Work?
Yes, bamboo electric toothbrush combines the benefits of bamboo’s sustainability with electric cleaning efficiency.
Is SURI toothbrush really sustainable?
Yes, SURI toothbrush is designed to be sustainable, using eco friendly materials and a recyclable, repairable design. They are a B Corp, reducing plastic waste and has plant based replacement brush head.
*The links are so-called 'affiliate links.' This means if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which in turn helps us to further develop the blog and create even more useful and valuable content for you!
Orbasics Gmbh is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Header Image @ Sustainable Tomorrow*