WHEN people try to cut down on their plastic use, there's one area that's overlooked: their toothbrushes.

Those who don't use electric ones will often tear through lots of plastic manual ones over the course of a year. These are rarely recycled and, like most plastic waste, could end up in our oceans. The alternative? Bamboo toothbrushes.

Bamboo toothbrushes can biodegrade in around six months when placed in compost. It also doesn't require refined oil in its construction and has a lower carbon footprint all around.

They also have benefits to the user, as they are naturally antimicrobial.

One of the only downsides to bamboo is the price, as they are often more expensive than the £1 plastic ones. However, if you shop well - and trust in multipacks - the difference shouldn't be too much.

You'll need to choose whether you want nylon or charcoal, which is said to help improve whiteness in your teeth.

For those looking for a new teeth cleaner, our guide to the best bamboo toothbrushes will help you and your pearly whites out.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

This toothbrush is perfect for shoppers who want to improve their green credentials without compromising on their oral care.

It's a great alternative to plastic as it's made with sustainably grown bamboo that's 100 per cent biodegradable and completely free from plastic packaging.

We particularly loved that it's waterproofed with beeswax, which increases the durability of the brush and minimises the water absorption.

This means it will dry quickly and won't get mouldy

The soft bristles are infused with charcoal, which is known for its teeth whitening properties - although after a week we didn't notice any major difference.

But using it did feel like a nice gentle clean which left our mouth feeling fresh.

Our tester also has sensitive gums and often notices some blood after brushing their teeth but it didn't happen with this toothbrush.

Last but not least, its bamboo etching means it looks great and it's easy to hold.

If you have sensitive teeth or gums but you don't want to break the bank, do bear in mind that a Colgate Slim Ultra soft costs just £1.50 at Boots.

This family pack of five bamboo toothbrushes is perfect for kids and adults with its soft bristles and easy grip handle.  Each toothbrush is a different colour, so will fit into the family perfectly and not get mixed up.

Made from 100% biodegrabable bamboo (panda friendly), these are designed to be gentle on the gums. The curved bristles are densely placed in order to give a deeper clean.

This pack doesn't just come with five bamboo toothbrushes with nylon bristles, but also a pack of bamboo cotton buds and a box of eco-dental floss.

Bamboogaloo tested the design of their brushes on 78 people in order to pick the most popular bristle shape, colours and handles.

All of the packaging is eco-friendly and biodegradable. (AD) Bamboogaloo Oragnic Bamboo Toothbrushes (5 Pack), £8.95 on Amazon - buy here

The Humble Brush is the best selling bamboo toothbrush in the world and comes with credentials you can trust.

The brush can last the dentist-recommended three months, meaning there's less waste. It has also won multiple awards, including the Best New Natural Living and Home Product 2015 at the Natural & Organic Products Europe Trade Show in London. Humble Toothbrush for £2.67 on Boots- buy here

The F.E.T.E toothbrushes are ideal for little mouths and specially designed with soft bristles, resin-based paint and a rounded handle for easy brushing and comfort to hold. The natural bamboo handle is stylish, elegant and great for those that want an eco-friendly brush.

It is biodegradable and even comes in different colours which will keep your little one amused. (AD) F.E.T.E kids bamboo brush or £3.39 on Tumeric and Honey - buy here

If you want bamboo toothbrushes with a serious commitment to being eco-friendly, then you can't go wrong with these Earth Kissed brushes.

The handles are hand-carved from a single piece of MOSO bamboo, while the bristles are BPA-free eco-nylon. Every aspect of the brush is recyclable or biodegradable.

Also, these toothbrushes have not been tested on animals. (AD) By Olive Earth Kissed Bamboo Toothbrushes (4 pack), for £7.97 on Amazon - buy here

This toothbrush is made from 100% panda and vegan friendly bamboo with BPA-free nylon 4 bristles. These are 100% biodegradable, as well as compostable.

The toothbrushes are minimally packaged - and are not packaged with plastic. Bamboo Toothbrush, SaveSomeGreen, for £2.50 on SaveSomeGreen - buy here

If you like to take the hassle out of your toothbrush shopping then My Bamboo Brush can set you up with a yearly supply for you and your partner. The lack comes in two sets of four in pink and blue (a total of eight) to be used quarterly for fresh brushing with an eco-conscious.

The sustainable bamboo brush has a 100% biodegradable handle meaning it will easily decompose once no longer needed and the medium-strength bristles will gently clean teeth without scraping at the enamel.

We also think they look pretty stylish and would make a great gift too.

Wondering what to get a loved one as a pampering gift set? Then look no further than this elegant basket by Leaf Boat.

It comes chocca full of bamboo toothbrushes, corn starch dental floss and cotton buds, which are all naturally souced and biodegradable.

They are vegan and plastic-free and even the box is packed in recyclable cardboard box.

One happy customer says, "I love it. The best gift for a person that love's to keep the world clean."

You can generally expect your bamboo toothbrush to last as long as any other toothbrush - that's roughly three months.

Rinse your toothbrush after each use to help maintain its quality.

Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush as soon as the bristles are frayed, which typically happens in two to three months.

Bamboo toothbrush bristles are made from a range of materials.

Some have nylon bristles, some have charcoal within the bristles to help whiten teeth and some are made with natural materials.

Natural alternative bristles include boar hair, as well as plant-derived bristles made from corn and tapioca (which is 100% biodegradable), or even castor bean oil bristles.

Enjoyed our roundup of the best bamboo toothbrushes? We've designed Sun Selects to help you to find the best products that won't break the bank.

Want more plastic-free products? Check out our guide to the best plastic-free products around.

We've also found the best reusable cotton buds to try.

This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.

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