◊ By Rutaksha Rawat

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The regular plastic toothbrushes that we grew up with are 100% plastic and we all know it’s time to shift to at least partially biodegradable options.

So, I tried the Purganics’ kids’ bamboo toothbrush (soft) to see if it was effective enough to make a permanent shift.

Priced at Rs 165, Purganics’ kids’ bamboo toothbrush claims to be dentist-approved and is equipped with a biodegradable handle. Its bristles are made of Dupont Nylon 6, which is a thermoplastic. But the bristles are BPA-free, according to the brand.

The toothbrush comes in a charming biodegradable paper box made of recycled paper. I got the one with pink bristles but they also have one in blue.

EASE OF USE & EFFICACY

I have been using this toothbrush since only a week so I cannot reflect on its long term pros/cons. But the short duration in which I have used this product, I’ve noted multiple pros.

I was expecting to compromise on comfort/ease of use for the benefit of the environment, but in my opinion, this product is superior to the plastic toothbrushes made by large companies which put out impressive advertisements on TV about the amount of scientific research that goes into their harsh-bristled plastic products.

For one, the bristles of this bamboo toothbrush are soft—very soft—and yet clean efficiently. This will save you from many a bristle scratch.

No. 2 and very importantly—the kid-sized brush allows you to clean all the crevices, nooks and crannies of your mouth efficiently, which an adult-sized toothbrush is incapable of. In fact, I wonder why I bothered with adult-sized brushes all these years. This is so much more hassle free and effective.

VERDICT

Personally, I really liked this toothbrush and cannot see myself going back to the plastic ones that one normally gets at the supermarket and at the chemists’.

Had I not been happy with this brush, I would have stuck to the plastic version, but I’m glad to have found this comfortable enough to make a permanent shift. I’m pleased my shift is also good for the environment. Well, at least partially.

I would recommend this not only for kids but also for adults and senior citizens. The bristles are soft—they will not erode your enamel. They will also not scratch your gums, should you get carried away with scrubbing. The brush will also help you clean all the corners that larger brushes can’t reach.

Price-wise also, this product is quite affordable and offers value for money.

WHERE TO BUY

Mumbai-based Purganics also makes organic cotton sanitary pads. They sell both the pads and the bamboo toothbrushes through their website, www.purganiclife.com and through some brick and mortar retail stores.