TEUFEN, Switzerland: Swiss dental manufacturer megasmile has developed a whitening toothbrush that removes dental plaque and brown stains with integrated carbon particles. The innovative Ö36 Black Whitening is the first toothbrush to promise soft and gum-friendly whitening without abrasives.

As there is a great demand for dental whitening products these days, the company had the idea of putting abrasives into the brush instead of the toothpaste. “The idea comes from ancient times, when people used to clean their teeth with ash,” Dr Roland Zettel, practising orthodontist and inventor of the toothbrush, explained.

“Most toothpastes contain abrasives, but people with irritated gums, like periodontitis and orthodontic patients, need toothpastes without these substances. Small carbon particles in the bristles of Black Whitening have an abrasive effect. Since they are significantly softer than tooth enamel, the tooth is polished without any enamel or dentinal wear. Used in combination with our newly developed dental snow, a creamy, abrasive-free foam, it is a good alternative to conventional toothbrushes,” he said.

Moreover, the brush is ecologically innovative, since its handle is 100 per cent biodegradable because it is produced from corn flour, Zettel added.

The brush was received positively by patients during initial clinical trials in Zettel’s practice in Teufen, Switzerland. “It is really catching on,” he said.

The manufacturer recommends changing the toothbrush every four to six weeks, as the carbon particles are likely to have been exhausted after that period. It can be purchased online from the megasmile shop for CHF3.90 (€3.25).

Megasmile offers a Swiss dental care line that was developed in collaboration with university students and Swiss designers. Its care products are aimed at wearers of dental braces in particular. The privately owned company was founded in 2010 by Dr Roland Zettel.