Is Your Toothbrush BPA-Free?

BPA-Free Toothbrushes

There are plenty of toxic things in our environment, but did you know that some simple things, like certain toothbrushes, could also be made from potentially harmful material? Some toothbrushes on the market are made with BPA and could add toxins to your body. We’ve outlined what you need to know about BPA and how to check if your toothbrush is BPA-free.

What Is BPA?

The acronym BPA stands for bisphenol A. This industrial chemical is used to make several kinds of plastics and resins. It is found in polycarbonate plastics often used in metal and plastic food containers. It is also used to make many consumer goods, such as toothbrushes.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in many products, including certain plastics. BPA has been associated with various health issues and concerns, including potential effects on the endocrine system. While the potential risks of BPA exposure from toothbrushes are relatively low, some people may prefer to use BPA-free toothbrushes as a precautionary measure. BPA-free toothbrushes are generally made with alternative materials, such as polypropylene or biodegradable materials, and may be labeled as such on the packaging. Ultimately, deciding to use a BPA-free toothbrush is personal and should be based on individual preferences and concerns.

PVC and Phthalate

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and phthalates are chemicals linked to potential health concerns and may be present in some toothbrushes. Phthalates are used to soften PVC plastic so that they may be present in toothbrush bristles or handles made from this material. Some studies suggest that exposure to phthalates can adversely affect reproductive and endocrine health.

There is limited research on the potential health effects of PVC and phthalates in toothbrushes. However, some health experts recommend avoiding toothbrushes made with these materials, especially for pregnant individuals or with a history of health problems that may be affected by chemical exposure. Many companies now offer toothbrushes made with safer materials, such as plant-based plastics, that are free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

What Companies Use BPA, PVC, and Phthalate?

It’s difficult to say which companies use these chemicals as they may not always disclose this information. However, it is known that PVC and phthalates are commonly used in plastics, including some types of toothbrushes. It’s essential to look for toothbrushes that are free from harmful chemicals and made with safe materials. Many toothbrush companies now offer BPA-free and phthalate-free toothbrushes, and choosing products free from these harmful chemicals is recommended.

Bristles on BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free toothbrushes are typically made from alternative materials such as nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Some toothbrushes may also use natural fibers such as boar bristle or bamboo, which are also free from these chemicals.

BPA, PVC, and Phthalate Free Toothbrush Guide

For the last two months, the number one search term entered by our readers has been “toothbrush,” so we set out to locate BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free toothbrushes for the whole family. We were pleasantly surprised in many cases and disappointed at the same time by the number of companies that wouldn’t even respond.

Here’s a preliminary list to get you brushing in a non-toxic style! Most toothbrushes are made from polypropylene (#5) and nylon (for the bristles). We’ll continue adding to the list as we learn about more options.

1. WooBamboo Toothbrushes for the whole family
2. Green Sprouts:  Finger Toothbrush, Baby Toothbrush, and My First Toothbrush Set
3. Preserve Jr. and Adult (made from 100% recycled plastic, including Stonyfield Farm® yogurt cups)
4. MAM Learn to Brush Set
5. RazBaby (made from 100% silicone)
6. Nuby Oral Massager and Toothbrush (made from 100% silicone)
7. Kushies Baby Banana Brush and Baby’s 1st Toothbrush (made from 100% silicone)
8. Baby Buddy Baby’s 1st Toothbrush (made from 100% silicone)
9. Smile Brite (Bunnies and Child’s First)
10. The First Years American Red Cross Infant to Toddler Oral Care Kit: TPA Krayton (inner) and polypropylene #5 (outer) bristles
11. Summer Infant Oral Care Kit: Polypropylene #5 with nylon bristles; Silicone Infant Finger Brush

Are Oral-B adult brushes also BPA, PVC and Pthalate free?

Oral B carries a wide selection of children’s toothbrushes, and we were pleased to discover that all of their children’s toothbrushes are made of polypropylene (#5) plastic.

It’s best to check the packaging or the product information on Oral-B’s website to confirm if a specific toothbrush is free from these chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to note that even if a toothbrush is labeled as BPA-free, it may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals, so it’s always a good idea to research the specific toothbrush or consult a dental professional to ensure that it’s safe and effective for use.

What Are the Possible Health Effects?

The research on BPA shows that there are some areas of concern in terms of the effect of BPA on infants and young children. Some believe that high levels of BPA act as a fake hormone, disrupting the normal hormones in the developing body, and could cause brain and behavioral issues.

Children are not the only ones affected by BPA. Recent studies link increased BPA to higher blood pressure. Other long-term issues are still being studied. While the FDA says that low levels of BPA exposure are safe, it is wise to consider ways to limit your exposure, especially your children’s exposure.

How to Know If Your ToothBrush is BPA-Free

To determine if a toothbrush is BPA-free, you can check the product label, packaging, or the manufacturer’s website for information on the materials used in its construction. Many toothbrush manufacturers market their products as BPA-free or label them as such on the product packaging or labeling. Some common materials that toothbrushes may be made of that are typically BPA-free include:

• Nylon bristles
• Polyester bristles
• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
• Polypropylene handles

If you are unsure if your toothbrush is BPA-free, you can contact the manufacturer for more information or consider purchasing a toothbrush that is explicitly labeled as BPA-free.

Using a toothbrush made without BPA is a simple way to limit your exposure to BPA. Many toothbrushes are still made with this chemical, but there are some ways to guarantee you are using the right toothbrush. A site we researched shows several brands, including WooBamboo, which has brushes for kids and adults.

How Often Do you Need a New Toothbrush?

If you didn’t already know, most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months. That is why choosing an eco-friendly, natural toothbrush like a bamboo toothbrush or charcoal toothbrush is essential. Since the bristles on your toothbrush can wear out, you should replace them regularly. When your bristles become worn, they can cause gum problems that you’d rather avoid. If you notice your bristles becoming worn down before three months, you should replace your brush even before that time.

Studies on BPA exposure from toothbrushes

There have been some studies on the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure from toothbrushes. One study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health in 2012 found that BPA was present in many dental materials, including some toothbrushes. BPA exposure from these materials may contribute to adverse health effects. Another study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2013 reported a case of BPA-induced contact dermatitis in a patient who used a toothbrush containing BPA.

Published in 2019, “Bisphenol A in dental materials – existence, leakage and biological effects” discusses the presence, leakage, and biological effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) in dental materials. BPA is a widely used synthetic compound in many dental materials, including composite resin, sealants, and dental cement. The article highlights that exposure to BPA from dental materials can lead to the release of BPA into the oral environment, which may have adverse health effects.

The article discusses various studies investigating the leakage of BPA from dental materials and its potential health effects. The studies suggest that dental materials containing BPA can release the compound into the oral environment, leading to potential exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. Exposure to BPA has been linked to various health effects, including hormonal disruption, reproductive disorders, and cancer.

The researchers suggest that although the amount of BPA released from dental materials may be low, cumulative exposure from various sources may be significant. The article highlights the need for further research into the safety of dental materials containing BPA and the development of alternative materials that do not contain this compound. The article concludes that using BPA-free dental materials is a precautionary measure to reduce the potential risk of BPA exposure and associated health effects.

However, it’s important to note that not all studies have found evidence of harmful effects from BPA exposure from toothbrushes. Some studies have suggested that the amount of BPA exposure from toothbrushes is relatively low and may not pose a significant health risk. The American Dental Association has stated that current evidence does not suggest that exposure to BPA from dental materials, including toothbrushes, is a cause for concern.

While the potential health risks of BPA exposure from toothbrushes may be a matter of debate, some people prefer to use BPA-free toothbrushes as a precautionary measure.