Canadian firm develops biodegradable toothbrushes, flossers

Clean Idea has introduced EcoBrushes and EcoFlossers, biodegradable toothbrushes and flossers made from corn, wheat, tapioca, and potatoes that are designed to decompose into organic material.

EcoMirrors, mirrors with biodegradable handles for dentists, also are available, the company said.

The handles of all of the company's dental products are made with a patented 100% compostable bioresin that meets international standards for bioplastics and compostability established by the Biodegradable Products Institute, according to the company. The resins will biodegrade within 180 days in a commercial compost facility. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, even when thrown into regular garbage, Clean Idea products will eventually decompose into organic material, the company said.

According to recommendations from the Canadian Dental Association, consumers should replace their toothbrushes every three months. Globally, the number of plastic toothbrushes in landfills could reach as many as 24 billion in one year if every person on Earth followed the recommendations, Clean Idea noted.