Perhaps to encourage my after-meal tooth brushing, a friend of mine recently introduced me to Colgate Wisp Mini-Brushes ($8.50 for a pack of 16). Designed for dental hygiene on the go, these one-time-use toothbrushes come with toothpaste built right in — in the form of a "freshening bead" — and a toothpick opposite the brush end.
My initial reservation with these disposable toothbrushes is that they aren't exactly eco friendly. But then again, there are certain times when this gadget could come in handy: in airports after long flights, while camping, or anytime I'm caught without a toothbrush on the go. But the eco unfriendliness wasn't my only problem with these, so read more.
Since the bristles are somewhat stiff, I wanted to be especially careful to brush properly to protect my gums. But at about three inches long, the Wisp Mini-Brush was awkward to use, making it difficult to mimic a normal tooth brushing motion. However, the freshening bead worked well, even without water, adding a nice peppermint flavor without a lot of foam, and the flexible toothpick was great, doubling as a gum stimulator.
I still felt bad throwing all of this waste away, especially since the toothbrush wasn't terribly effective. Not only is the brush itself disposable, but it also comes in excessive packaging, with individual plastic packs per four brushes. I can see these being helpful in emergencies, but I don't think I'd buy them again.
Notify Jeans
Colline
Star by Julien Macdonald
is it even comfortable to get the brush out of all that plastic? i hate that kind of packaging, you always need scissors for that. and what's wrong with good old fashioned sugarless gum? i wouldn't buy this... but for the occasions you've mentioned (like camping) one can always bring their tooth brush in a container or buy a cheap real version.
1Oooh I hate those containers you need to cut open...so annoying.
2I just keep a travel brush in my purse, reusable and so much simpler!
3I don't like the idea. Small reusable tooth brushes are ok, you can also get a small tooth paste and you get dental hygiene on the go.
4I use a kid's toothbrush for when I'm on the go. They are smaller but still easy to handle.
5Same here, bluepuppybites. I don't think I'll even bother trying this new product out.
6Agree, what an awful lot of waste for nothing. The transparent packaging alone seems bigger than a kid's toothbrush and paste would be.
7Completely pointless. It's not like a toothbrush is big and heavy.
8I bought a pack, and I want to try one but I don't want to waste it. I just bought a pack of four and they're in my purse, waiting for a brushing emergency!
9this sounds like a rip off. I carry a travel toothbrush and mini toothpaste in my purse, and it's ideal... why throw away all that plastic?
10I agree; completely pointless. I keep a toothbrush in a baggie in my purse when I'm traveling and it keeps it from getting icky. And chewing sugarless gum works in a pinch if you need fresh breath ASAP...it's cheaper, too.
11Too much packaging and the use once and throw away idea is bad all around. Just keep a small brush and travel-sized toothpaste in your purse.
12Whatever happened to those portable toothbrush things that were like sleeves that you put on your finger and brushed with? Anybody remember those from a couple years ago? I always wanted to try them but never did.
13i read that in 2004, over 6000 went to the ER with injuries from plastic packaging! That suff is DANGEROUS!
14For those of you with complaints about the packaging, chill out-- the back is simply a peel-off foil tab that comes off with a simple pull. No scissors or injury required.
As for the product itself, I have minimal problems with the size-- maybe because I have a small mouth? And the bristles are actually pretty soft. These things are good for in the middle of the day, when I can't make time to do a whole brushing ritual in the bathroom because I need to stay at my table or desk. I'm the only one at my job so it's convenient when my teeth get that nasty furry feeling and I feel better about meeting clients when I can smile without worrying if bits of my lunch is still there.
15I'm actually using right now (just bought them and was too curious to wait for a brushing emergency), and I think these are great! the bristles are soft and feel good on my gums, they left my teeth feeling smooth as if I had just brushed. it takes a few seconds to get used to the fact that you can't use a normal brushing motion since they are so short. you just have to go slower and in small circles.
16the flavor was pleasant but not overpowering.
My gums are still bleading.
17Here's a negative take on the Wisp:
18http://bakercg.typepad.com/baker/2009/04/colgatepalmolive-fck-the-enviro...
The packaging is super easy to open, it's the kind that just pops open. These are great for people with oral fixations (i.e. smokers etc.), and I definitely don't throw a brush away after one use, I've been chewing/brushing with one for about an hour now; throw it away after it's mangled. The bead thing is like one of those 'ice breakers' beads, it's not a toothpaste. I do worry that using it too often can damage enamel, but I like how the round end of the pick massages my gums. I see this as more of a 'breath freshening toy' than a toothbrush.
19Ohmigosh people!!!! This is a good product! I mean it is NOT completely 1 use only, I've used the same one 5 times! It made my teeth much whiter after the 1st time I used it. I luv the wisp!
20RE: cool person's comment: According to Colgate, you should only use them once: http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/FAQ
Waste of money, waste of the environment. Just a big waste.
21This can be a great product for quick brushing on the go, especially for orthodontic and special patient populations. A travel toothbrush and small paste leaves you full of paste. And who really wants a toothbrush sealed up in a baggie churning up even more bacteria! Chewing gum can freshen your breath but will not thoroughly remove the harmful bacteria that is causing gum disease and the disease smell. You don't just brush teeth, you brush gums for a healthy mouth. If your gums are still bleeding you need to see a dentist, there is no magical brush, gum or rinse that will reverse periodontal disease! I agree brush on the go will not be as effective as other brushes, but many people don't brush correctly, much less twice a day, not to mention floss. Remember, teeth usually won't hurt until the problem reaches the nerve. Don't want to believe it is necessary to spend five minutes a day taking care of your teeth? I'll probably eventually see you in my chair then!
22I commented above, but I just wanted to say I did end up trying one and it was okay. Good for a pinch, like if you fall asleep on the plane and wake up with gross breath.
23Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.