Some people dream of climbing Mount Everest or riding a bicycle across the country. Mike Davidson's dream has been to create the perfect toothbrush, and now he thinks he's done it.
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The saga of this brush tells a lot about the passion and persistence to take an idea and turn it into a product.
Shots first introduced you to Davidson in . At the time, Davidson thought his toothbrush would be ready for the market the following June. That turned out to be wishful thinking. The new target date is Nov. 1 of this year, and it looks like he will make it.
I visited Davidson and his partner in this adventure, dentist Mike Smith, earlier this year at the headquarters of their company MD Brush. The headquarters is just an office in the dental practice they both work at in Pearland, Texas. Seated around a desk in that office, the pair told me the story of the brush.
It begins in . Smith says the idea for the brush was Davidson's.
"His story is he was in his garage one night," Smith tells me. "He's a very handy man, me not so much. But he likes to do the handy work, so he has this clay model, brings it in one day to the office, and he's like, 'What do you think of this?' And I'm like, 'What do I think of that?' " At this point Davidson interrupts Smith with a laugh. "You recognized a good thing when you saw it," says Davidson.
So what's special about the brush? Well, to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease, most dentists say you should hold the brush so the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Easy enough, but most people don't. Davidson's brush has an unusual handle that automatically puts the bristles at the correct angle.
"It is really, in my view, the perfect toothbrush. Not because I built it — because it makes sense," says Davidson.
Coming up with the idea for the brush turned out to be the easy part. "As far as implementing it, and making it usable, neither one of us had any idea, and especially when it came to actually fabricating one," says Davidson. "We learned, and we wasted so much money," he adds with a rueful laugh.
The first design of the brush had a bladder mechanism inside that was supposed to squirt mouthwash into the gums as you brushed. It took 14 months to design this brush, but it was too complicated to manufacture. That was $7,000 down the drain.
The next design had the same shape, but no bladder and a different manufacturing design that uses what's called a core injection system.
That brush took two years to design. But the core injection system turned out to be a bust. Another $4,000 wasted.
"And now we're stuck, and we're scratching our heads, and it's like, oh, crap, this is another redesign. This is another two years," says Davidson. That was only when I was really, 'Maybe it won't happen.' "
Smith told him to just stay positive. "We'll get through this, it's just going to take time."
They did get through it, and designed a new model with a different manufacturing scheme. They teamed up with a Chinese company that agreed to make the brush. But after spending around $9,000 on airline tickets to China, that business relationship soured, and all they had to show for it was a lot of frequent flier miles. Still no toothbrush.
Finally, they linked up with a manufacturing facility in Vietnam that had Japanese owners. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and the factory sent a prototype.
But there was a problem. The handle on the prototype felt wrong. It felt too big. They tried it out on their colleagues in the dental practice, and everyone, especially women with smaller hands, agreed the handle felt too big.
"What we didn't know is that when they make any kind of piece of plastic for anything, they'll make it upwards of 3 percent larger than it should be to account for the plastic contraction that occurs when hot plastic cools," says Davidson. Problem is, the way their brush is designed, it didn't shrink. So the 800-pound steel injection mold the manufacturer made is useless junk.
"So then we spend the next four months arguing about whose fault it is," says Davidson.
Once they got that straightened out, another problem. This one came completely out of the blue. A geopolitical dispute between China and Vietnam nearly scuttled the brush. Thousands of rioters trashed factories in Ho Chi Minh City, where the brush was supposed to be manufactured. Why the riots? It turns out the Vietnamese were upset with China's decision to plant an oil rig off Vietnam's coast, so some people attacked Chinese-owned businesses.
Davidson says their factory was spared because it was Japanese-owned, not Chinese-owned.
As I listened to this amazing story, I began to wonder what kept them going. All this just for a toothbrush? Or maybe they were hoping to make gobs of money. So I asked them: What if some executive at Colgate hears this story and thinks, "We should buy these guys out before their brilliant toothbrush design makes a giant dent in our business"? Would they take the money?
Smith says no. "I mean, we've taken it this far," he says. "We're going to continue to take it all the way."
"It's not about money," adds Davidson. "It's about winning. And it's about beating these guys at their own game. And showing we can do something better."
Clearly this is something Davidson feels passionate about. "We're not just trying to sell a cool toothbrush," he says. "Ultimately, we want people to realize the value of having a clean mouth, because there are so many other systemic conditions that are related to gum disease. And the thing about brushing is that, if you do it right, it feels a certain way. It feels like a golf swing or a perfect tennis shot down the side — it feels a certain way. And that's what this brush is designed to do. It's designed to show you what good brushing feels like."
That's the idea, and it might be nice to have that feeling, but at the moment, he's got no proof that good feeling will result in less gum disease.
Davidson is confident that proof will come. In the meantime, they're forging ahead.
After I spoke with Davidson in early June, he flew off to Vietnam to oversee the first manufacturing run.
At the end of the first day of the run, Davidson was able to take a box of newly manufactured brushes back to his hotel.
"It was a heck of a feeling," he says. "To go through all that and finally see the vision that we had, right there in a completed form was a great thing."
There is, of course, that final hurdle: whether anybody will pay $10 for a toothbrush.
From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, we're constantly seeking ways to minimize our environmental footprint. One often overlooked item in this pursuit is the humble toothbrush.
Yet, the toothbrush is an essential tool for maintaining oral hygiene, and its impact on the environment shouldn't be underestimated.
Fortunately, there's a growing array of sustainable and eco-friendly toothbrush options available today, offering a guilt-free path to a sparkling smile.
The Plastic Predicament
Traditional toothbrushes, with their plastic handles and nylon bristles, pose a significant environmental threat.
Made from non-biodegradable materials, these brushes end up in landfills where they can take centuries to decompose fully.
Additionally, the production of plastic toothbrushes contributes to pollution and resource depletion, further exacerbating environmental issues.
Embracing Biodegradability
One promising solution to the plastic predicament is the rise of biodegradable toothbrushes. These brushes are crafted from natural materials that break down over time, reducing their impact on the environment.
Bamboo, in particular, has emerged as a popular choice for conscious consumers due to its rapid growth and sustainability.
Bamboo toothbrushes offer a renewable alternative to their plastic counterparts, providing a guilt-free option for daily dental care.
Benefits of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes
Sustainable and eco-friendly toothbrushes offer a range of benefits that extend beyond just oral hygiene. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the positive impact on the environment. Sustainable toothbrushes are typically made from renewable resources such as bamboo, which grows quickly and can be harvested without causing harm to the environment. By using materials that are biodegradable or recyclable, these toothbrushes help reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
- Conservation of Resources: Traditional toothbrushes are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum, which contributes to resource depletion and environmental degradation. In contrast, sustainable toothbrushes are often made from renewable materials that require fewer resources to produce. By opting for eco-friendly options, we can help conserve valuable resources for future generations.
- Minimal Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of conventional toothbrushes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Sustainable toothbrushes, particularly those made from locally sourced materials, typically have a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, some eco-friendly toothbrush brands implement sustainable manufacturing practices and offset their carbon emissions, further reducing their environmental impact.
- Biodegradability: One of the significant advantages of eco-friendly toothbrushes is their biodegradability. Unlike plastic toothbrushes, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, sustainable options made from natural materials like bamboo can break down more quickly and return to the earth without leaving behind harmful residues.
- Healthier Alternatives: Some sustainable toothbrushes use natural bristles derived from plant-based materials, offering a chemical-free and hypoallergenic option for those with sensitive gums or allergies. Additionally, eco-friendly toothbrushes are often free from harmful substances like BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates, providing a safer choice for both users and the environment.
- Encouraging Sustainable Practices: By choosing sustainable and eco-friendly toothbrushes, consumers send a clear message to manufacturers and retailers about the importance of environmental stewardship. This demand for greener alternatives can drive industry innovation and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
- Educational Opportunities: Sustainable toothbrushes can serve as valuable educational tools, especially for children and young adults. By discussing the environmental impact of everyday items like toothbrushes, parents and educators can raise awareness about sustainability issues and empower the next generation to make environmentally conscious choices.
Top Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Toothbrush Options
Primal Life Organics - Charcoal Toothbrush (2-Pack)
Primal Life Organics presents its Charcoal Toothbrush, a sustainable and effective addition to your oral hygiene regimen. Crafted with a natural bamboo handle and soft, charcoal-infused bristles, this toothbrush offers a gentle yet thorough clean for teeth and gums.
Balanced Design: The toothbrush features bristles that strike the perfect balance between softness and efficacy, ensuring a comfortable brushing experience with every use.
Environmental Consciousness: Primal Life Organics is committed to sustainability, and this bamboo toothbrush reflects that ethos. Its bamboo handle is not only eco-friendly but also naturally water-repellent, reducing the risk of splintering and enhancing durability.
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Gentle Cleaning: The toothbrush's super soft, charcoal-infused bristles provide a gentle yet effective clean, promoting oral health without causing discomfort to the gums.
Primal Life's Mission: Primal Life Organics prioritizes both oral health and environmental responsibility. Their toothbrushes are crafted using high-quality, organic materials to naturally polish and whiten teeth while supporting overall oral wellness.
Experience the benefits of Primal Life Organics' Charcoal Toothbrush—a choice that's good for both personal health and the planet.
J&L Naturals Bamboo Toothbrush
Step up your dental hygiene routine with the J&L Naturals Bamboo Toothbrush! Crafted from eco-friendly bamboo, its biodegradable handle offers a guilt-free brushing experience. With soft, bristly bristles, it provides a gentle yet effective clean that feels like brushing with a cloud.
J&L Naturals is committed to purity and transparency. These products are 100% vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and preservative-free. The company will not compromise on quality or safety, using only natural plant-based ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Rest assured, every ingredient is screened for its highest quality and efficacy, ensuring a wholesome brushing experience for you and a positive impact on the planet.
EcoShoots Adult Bamboo Toothbrushes (10 pack)
Family Pack of 10 with Assorted Colors: Crafted from bamboo, these eco-conscious toothbrushes offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic brushes. Each toothbrush in the pack of 10 comes in a distinct color—pink, purple, beige, green, and blue—facilitating easy identification for every member of the household while adding a touch of vibrancy to the bathroom.
Recycled Biodegradable Packaging: Committed to eco-friendliness, EcoShoots utilizes recycled, biodegradable materials for its packaging, eliminating the use of plastic entirely. Once used, the toothbrushes can be recycled alongside cardboard waste at home, closing the loop on sustainability.
BPA-Free Nylon-4 Medium Bristles: Engineered with BPA-free nylon-4 medium bristles, these bamboo toothbrushes reduce plastic usage by 99% compared to traditional disposable brushes. The medium bristles strike the perfect balance between gentle cleaning and effective plaque removal, ensuring a comfortable brushing experience while maintaining gum health.
Heat-Treated Bamboo Handle: The toothbrush handles undergo a heat treatment process to enhance their durability and water resistance, prolonging their lifespan. Dental professionals recommend replacing the toothbrush every 2-3 months for optimal oral hygiene.
Compact Brush Head and Streamlined Design: Designed for comfort, the toothbrush features a smaller brush head to minimize any "wood feel" sensation in the mouth, commonly associated with larger heads.
Make the sustainable choice for your family's oral care routine with EcoShoots Adult Bamboo Toothbrushes—a blend of eco-consciousness and dental hygiene excellence.
Paeyaer 20 Count Bamboo Toothbrushes
A Greener Alternative: Paeyaer offers a eco-conscious alternative to plastic toothbrushes with their 20 Count Bamboo Toothbrushes. Featuring the same brushing efficacy as traditional plastic brushes, these bamboo toothbrushes are a more environmentally friendly option. Encourage friends and family to join in the effort to reduce plastic waste by opting for this eco-friendly set.
Environmentally Friendly: Crafted from natural and sustainable bamboo, these toothbrushes maintain the quality of traditional plastic brushes while being fully recyclable. Paeyaer ensures that even the packaging is 100% recyclable, minimizing environmental impact from production to disposal.
BPA-Free Soft and Medium Bristles: Each pack includes 10 soft bristle and 10 medium bristle toothbrushes, catering to different brushing preferences. The soft bristles gently clean teeth without causing irritation to gums, while the medium bristles provide effective stain removal. Designed for durability, the securely attached bristles will never shed.
Biodegradable Toothbrush Handles: Made from 100% natural bamboo sourced from sustainable farms, the toothbrush handles are both sturdy and biodegradable. Unlike wood, bamboo is harder and more resilient, ensuring a comfortable grip. After use, the handles can be disposed of knowing they will fully biodegrade.
Convenient Pack of 20: Each pack contains 20 toothbrushes—10 with soft bristles and 10 with medium bristles. Packaged in individual boxes with numbered brushes to prevent confusion, they are ideal for households, hotels, travel, workplaces, dental offices, and schools alike.
Choose Paeyaer's 20 Count Bamboo Toothbrushes for a sustainable and effective dental care solution that benefits both your oral hygiene and the environment.
PRESERVE POPi Toothbrush
The POPi Toothbrush is a testament to environmental responsibility, proudly crafted from recycled ocean plastic sourced through collaborative cleanup initiatives.
With each purchase of a POPi product, 25% of the proceeds are donated to nonprofits dedicated to ocean and beach cleanup, marine conservation, and plastic pollution research.
When consumers choose the POPi Toothbrush, they actively contribute to the crucial mission of curbing oceanic plastic contamination and protecting marine life.
Key Features:
- Handle crafted from 25% recycled #2 HDPE ocean plastic and 75% recycled polypropylene, sourced through partner clean-up efforts; bristles composed of new nylon
- Ergonomic curved handle for easy gripping
- Tiered bristles designed for gentle yet thorough cleaning
- Available in Soft Bristles variant only
- Recyclable through Preserve's mail-in recycling program
Isshah Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes - 12 Pack
Embrace sustainability with the Isshah Bamboo Toothbrush, a green alternative to traditional plastic brushes. By opting for bamboo, users not only maintain oral hygiene but also contribute to environmental preservation.
Smooth & Natural Bamboo Handle: Crafted from bamboo, this toothbrush boasts a smooth, splinter-free handle that is water-resistant. Bamboo's superior durability and health benefits make it a preferable choice over plastic, eliminating the need for drying after use.
100% Recycled Biodegradable Packaging: Isshah prioritizes eco-friendliness down to the packaging, utilizing recyclable craft paper. Say goodbye to concerns about contributing to environmental pollution when disposing of the packaging.
Guaranteed Satisfaction: Isshah stands by the quality of its toothbrushes, offering a full refund if customers are not completely satisfied. With a commitment to natural quality and an unbeatable guarantee, Isshah provides a solution that aligns with both oral care needs and environmental consciousness.
Bamboozled Bamboo Toothbrush
Experience the benefits of naturally whiter teeth with the Bamboozled Bamboo Toothbrush, infused with charcoal within the bristles to absorb plaque as you clean your teeth.
Perfect Handle for the Perfect Brush: Designed with your comfort in mind, the Bamboozled toothbrush features an ergonomically shaped handle that feels great in your hands and is flexible enough to reach every corner of your mouth. At Bamboozled, we prioritize both design and the brushing experience.
Eco-Friendly Design: Crafted with bio-nylon bristles that are 100% recyclable, our medium toothbrushes are infused with charcoal to whiten your teeth as you brush. Enjoy the benefits of a sustainable toothbrush that lasts as long as regular plastic brushes, all while making a positive impact on the environment.
A Green Alternative: Sourced and crafted from sustainable bamboo farms, these toothbrushes are 100% natural and biodegradable. Each pack will keep you supplied for an entire year, or choose individual brushes for each member of the family—each engraved with numbers for easy identification.
Bleeker and Rowe Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes
Crafted from a special blend of corn starch and corn husk, this no-waste toothbrush boasts a minimal carbon footprint, offering an optimal solution for environmental preservation.
Complete Set for the Whole Family: Each pack includes 10 bulk toothbrushes individually sealed in eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging. Ensure that everyone in the family can participate in eco-conscious dental care with ease. The toothbrushes are BPA-free, providing peace of mind for your family's oral hygiene.
Prioritizing Dental Health: Featuring soft-medium bristles, these toothbrushes effectively remove dental plaque while remaining gentle on gums, ensuring a comfortable brushing experience. Take proactive steps towards oral health without compromising on environmental values.
Hygiene Comes First: Individually sealed in recyclable paper sleeves, each toothbrush is kept clean and ready for use in any environment. With BPA-free, vegan-friendly, and biodegradable properties, Bleeker and Rowe toothbrushes prioritize both personal and environmental hygiene.
Caring for the Environment: Not only are Bleeker and Rowe toothbrushes biodegradable and sustainable, but they are also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Protecting all living things while maintaining dental hygiene has never been easier.
Jordan Green Clean Manual Toothbrush
Environmentally Conscious Design: Crafted with both user comfort and environmental preservation in mind, the Jordan Green Clean Toothbrush is made of 90% recycled materials. Its handle consists of 100% recycled plastic sourced from items like yogurt, margarine, and food tubs, while the remaining 10% (the bristle) is 100% bio-based.
Ergonomic and Efficient: Featuring soft bristles made of 100% bio-based nylon, this toothbrush ensures effective cleaning while allowing easy access to hard-to-reach areas. Unlike other eco-friendly toothbrushes, the Jordan Green Clean combines ergonomic design with a completely neutral taste.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Each toothbrush is packaged in eco-friendly packaging crafted entirely from recycled paper fibers. Utilizing creatively recycled paper scraps, the packaging provides protection while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, the packaging label is made from FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, making it an ideal sustainable gift option.
Scandinavian Design: Inspired by the philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and environmental stewardship, the Jordan Green Clean bears the hallmark of Scandinavian design. Designed by renowned Nordic designer Andreas Engesvik, this toothbrush embodies sustainability through the use of only eco-friendly materials.
Award-Winning Sustainability: Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, the Jordan Green Clean received a sustainability award at the IdentiPlast in March . By using recycled materials, it contributes to maintaining the value of resources in a circular economy. Each toothbrush is randomly available in pink, blue, or green, reflecting its eco-friendly ethos with a splash of color.
GREENZLA Bamboo Toothbrushes
Go Green: GREENZLA Bamboo Toothbrushes offer an eco-friendly solution for your daily oral care routine. From the toothbrushes to the packaging, every aspect is designed with sustainability in mind, allowing you to clean your teeth with peace of mind.
12 Durable Toothbrushes: Each toothbrush in the pack is robust and durable, lasting up to 6 months of use. With 12 bamboo toothbrushes in every pack, GREENZLA provides a cost-effective option for the whole family's oral hygiene needs.
Soft Bristles: The toothbrushes feature BPA-free, charcoal-infused bristles that feel gentle on teeth and gums. GREENZLA prioritizes premium quality materials that are sustainably sourced, ensuring that all products are natural and eco-friendly.
Smooth and Natural Bamboo Handle: Enjoy the comfort of a smooth, natural bamboo handle that fits perfectly in your hand. Not only are these wooden toothbrushes gentle on your teeth, but they also provide added convenience during use.
For more information, please visit Toothbrush Factory.
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