The handles of Liebwerk toothbrushes are made of FSC-certified Swiss beech wood. Known for its hardness, wear resistance, and excellent flexibility, beech wood is the ideal material for toothbrush manufacturing. In addition, it is the most readily available type of hardwood from sustainable forests.

The beech wood for Liebwerk handles is primarily sourced from Toggenburg (SG), with additional supplies coming from the St. Gallen Rhine Valley and Zurich Oberland. This local sourcing supports sustainable forestry practices and minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that our products are both high-quality and eco-friendly.

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is a seal of quality for sustainable forest management that focuses on the forest’s sustainability and natural regenerative capacity. Simply put, no more wood is harvested than can regrow sustainably.

Wood is an excellent and sustainable raw material. While Moso bamboo (also known as giant bamboo) is suitable for the production of toothbrushes, it is primarily grown in Asia and South America. The long import routes required to transport bamboo result in high CO2 emissions, which diminish its ecological benefits. Moreover, the limited quality control over the cultivation and processing of giant bamboo, as well as the production standards, reinforce the belief that using local, certified raw materials is the best solution for combining sustainability and quality.

The bristles of Liebwerk toothbrushes are made of two different types of nylon:

• Nylon (PA 6.12): the bristles of the SOFT and KIDS toothbrushes are made of nylon (PA 6.12). Known for its softness, flexibility, and durability, this nylon ensures a gentle yet effective brushing experience, making it an ideal choice for sensitive gums and teeth.
• Castor-oil based nylon (PA 10.10): the bristles of the RICINE toothbrush are medium-soft and made of castor oil-based nylon (PA 10.10), a mineral oil-free bioplastic. This sustainable material offers an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.

We use conventional nylon (PA 6.12) for our soft toothbrushes because it provides the perfect balance of softness and flexibility, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive gums and teeth.

While castor oil-based nylon (PA 10.10) is a great choice for medium-soft toothbrushes due to its slightly firmer texture, it does not provide the same level of softness required for sensitive gums.

By offering both types of nylon, we cater to the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring everyone can find a toothbrush that perfectly suits their oral care requirements.

Rounded bristle tips are clinically proven to effectively remove plaque and food particles without damaging the enamel and gums. This feature is crucial for maintaining oral health.

In contrast, flat-cut bristles can cause irritation and micro-injuries to the gums, potentially leading to gingival damage and recession over time. Most toothbrushes produced in countries and/or factories with low-quality controls lack this essential feature.

At Liebwerk, we guarantee that our toothbrushes, made in Switzerland by dental experts, meet the highest standards of dental care.

There is currently no compostable alternative to nylon bristles other than animal-based materials like wild boar hair. However, wild boar hair poses environmental and hygienic concerns. It often comes from industrial farms, primarily in China, and its hollow structure can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Bioplastic alternatives, such as castor oil-based nylon, are derived from renewable plant-based oils. Yet, they do not meet compostability criteria for household composting due to their lengthy degradation periods.

Important note: Nearly all toothbrushes on the market use small stainless-steel hooks to secure the bristles in the head. This makes the entire toothbrush non-compostable, even if it has a compostable handle and animal-based bristles.

• SOFT for sensitive teeth and gums: Soft bristles ensure a gentle yet effective brushing experience and best suit individuals with sensitive teeth and gums.
• RICINE for normal teeth and gums: Medium-soft bristles made of castor oil-based nylon are ideal for those who prefer a firmer brushing experience and a more sustainable version of nylon.

It’s generally recommended to change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn out. This time frame ensures that your toothbrush remains effective at cleaning your teeth and gums. For children or individuals who brush more vigorously, more frequent replacement may be necessary.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush after recovering from an illness, especially a viral infection, to prevent the risk of reinfection from lingering bacteria on the bristles.

To extend the lifespan of your wooden toothbrush handle and maintain its quality, follow these tips:

• Apply vegetable oil: Apply a small amount of vegetable oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) to the wooden handle once a week. This helps protect the wood from humidity and maintains its smoothness by creating a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating.
• Store dry: After each use, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly and shake off excess water. Store the toothbrush in an upright position so it can air dry completely between uses. Avoid soaking it in water or leaving it in a damp environment.
• Replace when necessary: Despite proper care, the wooden handle will naturally wear over time. If you notice cracks, splintering, or significant changes in the wood’s texture, it may be time to replace the toothbrush to maintain good hygiene and avoid potential injury.

To properly dispose of your Liebwerk toothbrush:

1. Remove the head: Snip off the head of the toothbrush and discard it in the regular garbage. The nylon and bioplastic bristles, as well as the metal hooks used to secure them, are not compostable.
2. Dispose of the handle: The wooden handle is fully biodegradable. You can dispose of it in green waste for composting, where it will help enrich the soil and support renewable energy sources like heat, electricity, and fuel.
3. Repurpose creatively: Alternatively, consider repurposing the handle at home. It can be used for plant labels, garden stakes, or other creative projects. Let your imagination guide you!
   By following these steps, you can ensure that your toothbrush is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

Liebwerk toothbrushes are packed in a carton box. The packaging is free of plastic and 100% recyclable.

Each person discards about 4 toothbrushes per year, which amounts to about 320 toothbrushes in a lifetime. Considering a toothbrush weighs about 20 grams, this corresponds to 6.4 kg of plastic waste per person from a single daily appliance. Using a sustainable wooden toothbrush, such as a Liebwerk toothbrush, drastically reduces such waste, saving tons of plastic globally every year and helping reduce microplastic pollution and landfill burden.

1. Reduction of plastic waste: Sustainable toothbrushes are made from biodegradable materials, for example, wood. This contributes to reducing plastic waste and microplastic pollution.
2. Reduced carbon footprint: Truly sustainable toothbrushes are made of locally sourced materials, which reduces the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
3. Sustainable resource use: Producing and processing sustainable materials generally requires fewer resources and generates less pollution than producing plastic.
4. End-of-Life options: The handle of a sustainable toothbrush can be composted or otherwise used in gardening.

Choosing between manual and electric toothbrushes depends on personal preferences, dental health requirements, and considerations such as sustainability. With proper brushing techniques, both types are equally effective in removing plaque and maintaining oral health.

Electric toothbrushes often come with built-in timers to ensure optimal brushing duration and can make brushing easier for those with limited mobility. Their oscillating or vibrating bristle movements can provide a more thorough clean with less effort.

Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more convenient as they do not require a power source or maintenance and can be used anywhere. Manual brushing also tends to be gentler on sensitive teeth and gums as it allows better regulation of pressure. From an environmental standpoint, manual toothbrushes are much more sustainable as they do not require electricity or batteries. Moreover, only manual toothbrushes offer sustainable options with regard to materials, such as wooden handles and mineral oil-free bristles.

The bristles of the SOFT toothbrush are made of nylon (PA 6.12). Known for its softness, flexibility, and durability, this nylon ensures a gentle yet effective brushing experience, making it an ideal choice for sensitive gums and teeth.

The handles of sustainable Liebwerk toothbrushes are made of FSC-certified Swiss beech wood. Known for its hardness, wear resistance, and excellent flexibility, beech wood is the ideal material for toothbrush manufacturing.

Studies show that soft toothbrushes can remove plaque just as effectively as medium or hard toothbrushes. While the choice between soft and medium bristles is a personal preference, hard bristles are not recommended as they can wear away tooth enamel more quickly, especially if too much pressure is applied. Hard bristles can also put your gums at risk, causing irritations and micro-injuries.

The bristles of the RICINE toothbrush are made of castor oil-based nylon, a mineral oil-free bioplastic.

The handles of sustainable Liebwerk toothbrushes are made of FSC-certified Swiss beech wood. Known for its hardness, wear resistance, and excellent flexibility, beech wood is the ideal material for toothbrush manufacturing.

DThe bristles of the KIDS toothbrush are made of nylon (PA 6.12). Known for its softness, flexibility, and durability, this nylon ensures a gentle yet effective brushing experience, making it the ideal choice for children’s sensitive gums and teeth.

The handles of sustainable Liebwerk toothbrushes are made of FSC-certified Swiss beech wood. Known for its hardness, wear resistance, and excellent flexibility, beech wood is the ideal material for toothbrush manufacturing.

Yes, adults can use KIDS toothbrushes. While KIDS toothbrushes are designed to serve smaller mouths and teeth, they can also be beneficial for adults with smaller mouths or for use during travel. However, adults should ensure that the toothbrush effectively covers and cleans all their teeth.

Liebwerk natural toothpaste looks and feels different from conventional toothpaste because it is free from synthetic fragrances, colorants, and preservatives, as well as foaming and thickening agents. This results in a gentle sandy-yellow hue and a naturally foamy texture. By omitting anything that lacks hygienic or healthcare benefits, we focus solely on essential and high-quality regional ingredients that promote dental health.

Yes absolutely. Recognizing the crucial importance of oral hygiene, we developed Liebwerk natural toothpaste in collaboration with dental experts with over 120 years of experience. Our toothpaste includes all the essential ingredients for maintaining healthy and effective oral hygiene. We carefully selected only those ingredients that provide genuine hygienic or healthcare benefits, omitting any that are superficial or unnecessary. This ensures that Liebwerk toothpaste delivers the same high level of effectiveness as the best conventional options.

Liebwerk toothpaste is produced in the canton of Schaffhausen by Swiss dental professionals with over 120 years of experience in the dental care industry. This ensures that our toothpaste adheres to the highest quality standards for your daily oral care routine.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring trace element that should not be confused with fluorine, a toxic gas. When fluorine reacts with substances like sodium, it forms fluoride salts, which have beneficial properties for dental health.

Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing cavities. Bacteria in dental plaque convert sugars into acids, which can erode tooth enamel. Fluoride helps by strengthening enamel, preventing mineral loss, and aiding in remineralization. It also enhances enamel’s resistance to acids and inhibits the growth of plaque bacteria. This is why fluoride toothpastes are widely recommended by dentists, dental associations and health authorities.

However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition where the enamel becomes porous and unable to regenerate. This condition is rare in Europe, thanks to controlled fluoride levels in toothpaste and low fluoride concentrations in drinking water and food.

Children require special attention to avoid excessive fluoride intake. From the first baby tooth, it should contain at least 500 ppm of fluoride, increasing to 1500 ppm from age six. Ensure children spit out toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.

Liebwerk toothpaste is suitable for use starting at the age of 6. This is because our toothpaste contains 1000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.

The Swiss Dental Association (SSO) recommends the following fluoride concentration in toothpaste:

• For milk teeth: Use a children’s toothpaste containing 500 ppm of fluoride.
• For permanent teeth (around age of 6): Use a toothpaste containing up to 1500 ppm of fluoride.

Yes, our toothpaste is certified by Dermatest, an independent dermatological institute renowned for ensuring the highest safety in consumer goods. The toothpaste underwent rigorous testing for safety, microbiological quality, and effectiveness in plaque removal, all under the supervision of dermatological and dental experts. Liebwerk toothpaste has successfully passed this certification, confirming it meets high safety and quality standards. It is safe for use, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Yes, Liebwerk toothpaste is Vegan certified.

Yes, Liebwerk toothpaste can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has been certified by Dermatest, an independent dermatological institute known for its rigorous safety standards in consumer products.

Our PICEA™ wood tube by Neopac is made from 95% renewable resources, including 10% spruce wood and 85% sugar-based material. The spruce wood comes from certified forests in the EU and the sawdust is sourced from German carpenters.

The PICEA™ wood tube offers a 40% improved CO2 balance compared to traditional polyethylene (PE) tubes while maintaining high standards in barrier properties, decoration, food suitability, and recyclability. It has received Ecocert and Cosmos certifications and is classified as food grade in the EU.

In 2022, the PICEA™ wood tube was honored as ‘Tube of the Year’ by the European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA), highlighting its exceptional quality and the commitment to naturalness and sustainability in our Liebwerk botanical toothpaste.

Yes, the Liebwerk PICEA™ wood tube is 100% recyclable. It is made from a mono-material, allowing it to be disposed of together with the cap in the same recycling circuit as PE (polyethylene), such as for white milk or laundry bottles.

While alternative products like tabs and powders are often praised for their eco-friendly credentials, they frequently fall short in terms of essential ingredients for effective oral hygiene.

From a dental medicine point of view, it is not very clear how the components of tabs and powders are released, distributed and ultimately act inside the mouth. Additionally, these alternatives typically contain only about half the ingredients found in traditional toothpaste and often include little to no fluoride. According to the Swiss Dental Association, traditional toothpaste offers more benefits in maintaining oral health compared to tabs and powders.

Moreover, Liebwerk’s innovative PICEA™ wood tube addresses the sustainability issue by being 100% recyclable, offering an eco-friendly packaging solution while ensuring the high efficacy of our toothpaste.