Have you ever been caught away from home and wished there was a way after a big meal that you could stop and brush your teeth before going into an important client meeting? I know it’s happened to me more than once. Now there’s a way that you can freshen your breath without carrying an entire toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or briefcase. Colgate Wisp’s claim to be able to freshen your breath while wiping the crud off your teeth – all without the use of any water. How well do they work?
I paid about $12 for a box of 32 in my local SAM’s Club Warehouse. That’s close to 50% less than what I found them for online at Amazon (16 for $15.98)
My Wisp’s were packaged two to a bubble sealed plastic pack. Each side can be individually opened by peeling back a seal. Opening them was no problem. They are small enough that you could easily store a set in your desk, car glove compartment or purse.
How do they work?
AS you can see from the photo, the Wisp resembles a tiny toothbrush. There’s a dab of some type of breath freshener on the bristles. This material is not wet to the touch. Once it mixes with the saliva in your mouth it creates a minty fresh feel – without any of the bubbling or foaming that might accompany regular toothpaste.
Once you get used to holding the brush it’s actually quite handy. The bristles are a good deal smaller than a normal toothbrush so you’ll have to take some care and not brush too hard or you’ll find yourself brushing your gums.
The end of the Wisp has a curved pick that you can use to dig crud out of clean between your teeth. In practice this worked well – but there’s no mistaking the Wisp for a regular sized toothbrush. I found that I had to brush a good deal slower while awkwardly holding the toothbrush between my fingers. This took some getting used to but eventually was second nature.
The result?
My breath felt fresher.
There was no mess of foamy toothpaste in my mouth. You should be able to use the Wisp in locations where you may not have access to water.
My teeth felt noticeably cleaner.
The downsides?
It’s awkward at first using such a tiny toothbrush.
Price: $11 for 32 Wisps at Sam’s Club (also available at Amazon and pharamcies)
Conclusion: The Wisp is convenient and does exactly what it say’s. Do not buy this thinking you are getting a toothbrush replacement. It’s a method for cleaning your teeth while on the go – and while it does a great job of making your teeth feel clean – it’s not as easy to use as a full sized toothbrush.
These little toothbrushes are perfect for putting in your desk or taking with you while traveling. Each one is good for an individual use and then you dispose of it. Another one of those “Why didn’t I think of this” products. Recommended.
I tried the Wisp too and agree. It MIGHT be ok while camping, but when I had to camp with my son on Tuesday I am taking toothpaste and toothbrush.
????????????? http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/17/colgate-wisp-brush-and-freshen-your-teeth-while-on-the-go/
????????? http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/17/colgate-wisp-brush-and-freshen-your-teeth-while-on-the-go/