simple stuff: toothbrush update.

May 12, 2021

I’ll keep this short and sweet, but I stumbled into a toothbrush that fits perfectly in the delicate and dainty holes of the built-in vintage toothbrush holder in our very pink bathroom and I think you should know about it.

I recently stocked up on David’s Toothpaste and when my three tubes arrived in the mail I was surprised to see a slim cardboard box also in the package. Inside was a perfectly slender and smooth bamboo toothbrush—a thank you, I imagine, for splurging on toothpaste that comes in a recyclable tube.

The box was marked Zero Waste Cartel and a very quick search got me to a place where I could order a whole bunch more. The brushes come in one size that works as well for the kids in our family as the adults, and with a choice of beige or rainbow bristles depending on your preference. The bamboo handles are easily marked with a bit of paint should further differentiating brushes for family members be something you need to do. See also, adding a small colorful rubber band, which would have the added advantage of helping to keep your brush up and away from the holder if these are the kinds of things you think about.

Anyway.

I don’t have intel about whether these toothbrushes will perfectly fit the ceramic toothbrush holders that may or may not be in any of your homes, but I did measure the handle in case it’s helpful for those of you invested enough to still be reading: 3/16ths thick and 9/16ths wide at the widest!

PS. If this doesn’t cut it for you, perhaps consider the toothbrush solution championed by friend and fellow small space dweller, Laura Fenton. (There are drainage holes on the bottom!)

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12 Comments

  • Reply Maddy May 12, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Glad you found a solution Erin!

    On another note – I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for toothpastes that come in recyclable or reusable packaging but that DO contain fluoride? I am interested in natural toothpaste solutions (i.e. sulfate free) but after thinking I wanted fluoride free toothpastes for a few years, I ended up getting my first cavities after moving to a new home with well water (i.e. no fluoride in the water) and using a natural fluoride free toothpaste (which was refillable at my local bulk store which I loved). My dentist informed me that this is not unusual and I did some research that so far has indicated that fluoride is actually pretty darn natural in some ways and beneficial for your teeth. But it seems all the natural or green toothpaste brands are sulfate free, but also fluoride free. So far I have found two that come closest to what I want: Therabreath and Arm & Hammer Essentials both have fluoride and are sulfate free, but they do not come in a recyclable package. Curious if anybody has any recos for toothpastes WITH fluoride but without wasteful packaging? <3

    3
    • Reply Alix May 12, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      byHumankind sells toothpaste tabs with fluoride in refillable glass containers!

      4
      • Reply Maddy May 12, 2021 at 5:16 pm

        Oh awesome thank you! Just looked them up! Unfortunately they don’t ship outside the US yet but I will keep my fingers crossed that Canada (where I am located) will be on their radar soon!

        1
    • Reply LH May 13, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      I have been enjoying Bite toothpaste bits. They currently only ship in the US though. They contain nHAp instead of fluoride which you can research/ask your dentist about, but I have only seen dentists saying it is as good as or superior to fluoride. No plastic. Glass jars, and refills come in home-compostable packs.

      3
    • Reply steph May 13, 2021 at 7:54 pm

      tom’s of maine packaging is now recyclable (plastic) and they have a fluoride option

      1
  • Reply Emily May 12, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    You did it!

    2
  • Reply Coreen May 12, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    So glad you found something that works! I love the satisfaction of stumbling into a solution for a problem that’s been bugging me for a while.

    2
  • Reply Rebecca B. May 12, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    Yay! I’ve been using ZWC bamboo toothbrushes for a year. I find them aesthetically pleasing and effective. I use a pen to write the dates for my toothbrush (eg, Feb 15-May15). I use this once a day, and my Sonicare the other session.

    1
  • Reply Karalina May 13, 2021 at 10:01 am

    Thank you for this blog and all of the lovely suggestions, solutions, and inspirations you provide!

    1
  • Reply caroline May 14, 2021 at 11:33 am

    Lovely blog with lots of suggestions for living simply and well. Thank you, Erin!
    A couple of questions:
    How soft are these toothbrushes?
    Where did you find the metal toothpaste tube key?

    1
    • Reply ERIN BOYLE May 14, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      I’d say they’re medium/soft? (Not a toothbrush expert tho!) The key comes with the toothpaste!

      1
  • Reply Farai May 23, 2021 at 11:27 am

    You could also mark them with a wood burner or whittle the handle a bit to make your mark !

    1
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