FAQs
WHAT MAKES THE KINDBRUSH® RANGE ALL THAT DIFFERENT?
“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” (Annie Leonard)
We all know by now that plastic is indeed not so fantastic. It is a non-natural, non-biodegradable, hardly recyclable material. Over the course of literally hundreds of years, instead of being broken down completely, it turns into tiny pieces called microplastic. These, sadly, do not disappear into thin air, but often end up in our precious oceans, accumulating with devastating effect.
Marine researchers estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
That’s why we’re passionate about
The Kindbrush range. Apart from superb function and beautiful design, it offers a competitive and sustainable alternative to plastic, whilst contributing to oral health.
Simply put: Healthy teeth. Happy planet.
WHERE IS THE KINDBRUSH® RANGE MANUFACTURED?
The Bite&Brush Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Tablets and Kindlips lip balm are made in Cape Town. All the design work, printing and packaging are also done there..
Our brushes are made in China, the home of bamboo. So are the glass floss dispensers.
We know that shipping leaves a carbon footprint, and we would absolutely love to rather have The Kindbrush® range manufactured right here in South Africa.
Yet, this all depends on finding a local manufacturer with the right technology that would produce the top quality products that we wish to offer to our customers.
AM I HARMING ANY PANDAS IN BUYING BAMBOO?
No. Moso bamboo (the type we use for The Kindbrush®) is inedible to pandas. The bamboo we use comes from a sustainable forest in China.
WHY CHOOSE TO RATHER GO BAMBOO?
Being naturally antibacterial, antifungal and water-resistant, it’s hard to find a more ideal material for a toothbrush than bamboo.
Bamboo, one of the fastest growing plants on earth, can shoot up to 90cm per day and reaches maturity within a few months. It’s a truly sustainable material.
And since bamboo is resistant to pests, it means that it’s all organically farmed.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY BAMBOO BRUSH?
Good question. Dental professionals recommend that you change your toothbrush – plastic or bamboo – every 3 months. Worn bristles are less effective at plaque removal and bacteria that accumulate on the head can re-infect your mouth.
Your bamboo toothbrush can, if you take proper care of it, last 3 to 4 months. But yes, your Kindbrush will need a little more TLC for maximum longevity.
Simply rinse it well after use and leave it to dry before storing it away. And since it has that nifty little flat bottom, you might just want to leave it standing around looking pretty.
HOW DOES BAMBOO DECOMPOSE?
Depending on the specific environmental conditions, it can take from weeks to years. But be assured, bamboo takes infinitely quicker to decompose than any plastic counterpart!
In a composter, bamboo can decompose within a few weeks. In a regular home composting bin, it can take up to a few months. To speed up the process, break the bamboo toothbrush handle into smaller pieces and ensure that the composting environment is moist and hot.
Unlike plastic, bamboo is a naturally occurring plant that breaks down into naturally occurring elements to nourish the soil again. Best.
News. Ever.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BITE&BRUSH TABLETS?
Treat Bite&Brush Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Tablets like you would vitamins. Store it in a cool and dry place, keep the lid on so that it’s air-tight!
HOW MANY TABLETS ARE IN A BOTTLE OF BITE&BRUSH?
We have three options available in glass bottles: 60 tablets (1 month supply), 240 tablets (4 months supply), 360 tablets (6 months supply) and a travel option of 10 tablets packed in a convenient travel tin).
IS BITE&BRUSH SAFE FOR PETS?
Unfortunately, no due to Xylitol, which works wonders for humans but can be toxic for our furry friends.
WHERE IS THE HYDROXYAPATITE SOURCED FROM?
From an Eco Cert and Cosmos approved supplier in Switzerland.
DO WE USE MICRO OR NANO HYDROXYAPATITE?
We use micro hydroxyapatite. For more information please visit the Bite&Brush Info page
CAN MY CHILD USE BITE&BRUSH?
Yes absolutely, if they are comfortable with the mint taste they can use it – Bite&Brush is completely safe to swallow and would be a benefit for any smile no matter what age. We are born dentally healthy; the aim is to maintain it that way.
WHAT ARE THE TOOTHBRUSH BRISTLES MADE OF?
Truth is, we would love to find a genuine plastic-free alternative to nylon bristles. One which naturally decomposes and also removes plaque effectively without damaging the enamel or gums.
However, extensive research has found that the only current non-plastic alternative is boar bristles. (Yes, pig hair.) Besides probably being not such a wildly attractive option for most people, boar bristles do not boast the same fine soft filaments. Boar hair isn’t effective at plaque removal, not anti-bacterial and not kind to animals.
We use high-quality bristles, consisting of 80% nylon and 20% charcoal. This means less petroleum-based plastic. In the meantime, we’re not giving up on our search for an even better alternative.
WHY SPECIFICALLY SOFT BRISTLES?
Soft bristles are generally agreed upon to be best for effective plaque-removal. Plaque, a soft, sticky layer of bacteria, needs to effectively be removed every single day, to prevent it from becoming harder plaque (or calculus). Calculus is like cement and can’t be brushed away, no matter how hard the bristles. Using hard bristles can damage the enamel (the outer layer of the teeth) or the gums, soft bristles won’t.
HOW DO I GET MY PARCEL?
For orders within South Africa’s borders, we make use of a local courier company we do not use any plastic for packaging. You will receive a reference number to track your parcel. Delivery may take 4 to 5 working days, depending on the location.
Should you get stuck, please contact us to help you sort it out. orders@thekindbrush.com
CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND FEEDBACK
We trust you’ll love what you’ve bought via our online store – please let us know if you indeed do (or don’t!). Your feedback enables us to improve our products and ensure even more efficient service delivery.
As a client, you are super important to us and we are committed to go the extra mile in serving you. We will do our utmost to resolve any customer complaints as speedily and satisfactorily as possible.
Just a reminder: bamboo, by its very nature, is organic. This means variances in texture, colour and appearance are to be expected. These are not flaws or faults, but in fact integral to its natural essence. Seeming ‘imperfections’ therefore do not constitute reason for a refund. Return & Refund Policy
