Bamboo toothbrush handles are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial and Curanatura’s handles are also heat treated which means the surface is ‘carbonised’. This results in the waterproofing of the bamboo and makes it soft to touch and much more durable in the bathroom. The handles are sized to meet the recommendations of dental hygienists to allow for precise and functional toothbrushing.CARBON: This brush has SOFT bristles made from carbonised bamboo dust mixed with Nylon 4 bristles. The bristles are approximately 90% bamboo, 10% nylon. These bristles contain micro-particles of active charcoal to help naturally brighten teeth and disinfect the mouth. All of the bristles contain nylon 4 - a preferred material for toothbrush bristles according to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. Nylon 4 is a BPA and phthalate free, naturally biodegradable polyamide and is widely considered as one of the most tolerable plastics from a health point of view. Japanese studies have shown it to biodegrade in approximately 4 months however some research questions this, and suggest it is better to remove nylon bristles from a bamboo toothbrush before disposal due to the different times they take to biodegrade.To make the bamboo mix bristles bamboo material is steamed and dried then ground to dust. This dust is mixed with nylon 4 and pulled into the bristles. (For the carbon brush the bamboo material is processed at a higher temperature so that carbonisation takes place). Bamboo is the major ingredient but the nylon is necessary to be able to make homogeneous bristles and also to make them durable. Raw bamboo bristles at this very fine thickness would rot in a matter of days. Most dental professionals recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Specifications Ethics: Sustainable Care Instructions: Rinse and leave in a dry place. Size: 17.5 x 1.4 x 1.7cm (at the widest point) Story Curanatura is a Slovakian company that first started selling bamboo toothbrushes in 2013. They have designed their toothbrush range together with a dental hygienist to offer the best possible performance, as well as strong environmental credentials. Curanatura use solid moso bamboo to make their toothbrush handles. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, and is an endlessly renewable resource. It grows naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers, takes in greenhouse gasses and produces 35% more oxygen than the equivalent trees.Bamboo toothbrush handles are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial and Curanatura’s handles are also heat treated which means the surface is ‘carbonised’. This results in the waterproofing of the bamboo and makes it soft to touch and much more durable in the bathroom. The handles are sized to meet the recommendations of dental hygienists to allow for precise and functional toothbrushing.