Moms, You Won’t Believe What’s Hiding in Your Toothbrush
Every morning, I remind my kids to brush their teeth—and I used to feel good about that… until I found out about PFAS. Yes, those “forever chemicals” that we try to avoid in non-stick pans and takeout containers? They might be lurking in the very toothbrushes we use every day. Yikes.
Wait, What Are PFAS Again?
Think of PFAS as clingy house guests—they never leave. These chemicals have been used since the 1940s to make things water- and stain-resistant, and unfortunately, they also stick around in our bodies and environment… basically forever.
Here’s what has moms (and scientists) worried:
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Problems with kids’ development
- Weakened immune systems
Want to nerd out a little more? The EPA explains it here.
Where Do These Chemicals Hide?
Brace yourself: PFAS are found in way too many places.
- Drinking water
- Grease-proof takeout wrappers
- Some makeup and cleaning products
- AND… toothbrushes 🤯
Yep. The thing we literally put in our mouths twice a day could be part of the problem. Check out Wisconsin’s Health Department for more.
Why I Switched to PFAS-Free Toothbrushes
I used to think buying eco-friendly brushes was just for “crunchy” moms. Now? I’m all in. Because if there’s even a chance PFAS are involved, it’s not worth the risk—especially with growing kiddos in the house.
Plus, most PFAS-free toothbrushes are made from bamboo or recycled materials, which means better for your body and the planet.
Mom-Approved Toothbrush Picks 🪥
Looking for something that’s safe, stylish, and doesn’t break the bank? These are our new faves:
- PRIMALS Boar Bristle & Bamboo Toothbrush: Natural and super gentle.
- BOONBOO Bamboo Toothbrushes: My teens love these—bonus points for being compostable.
The Takeaway: Small Swap, Big Impact
We don’t need to overhaul our entire lives overnight. But switching out something as simple as a toothbrush? That’s doable. And it’s a step in the right direction.
So here’s to making better choices—one brush at a time 💚
P.S. If you want to know what the government is (slowly) doing about all this, check out the EPA’s PFAS plan. But if you ask me? Moms don’t wait for policy—we lead the charge.