It's amazing what you can find coming out of a retro-fitted gumball dispenser. This is at a restaurant called Sorrento's in Perth, Western Australia. Fuzzy Brush is a little plastic, mint impregnated, brushing device that you chew in order to clean teeth. The machine said they're 'brilliant!' so I had to try one. The mint didn't do it for me, but the little plastic bristles were actually pretty effective. Designed by dentists. Actually at first I thought it said "fizzy" brush and I was more excited about that. Chewing on a piece of plastic is less appealing than some magic plaque-dissolving fizz.
Throw away your polo mints.
Chuck your chewing gum.
Who needs tic tacs, who needs smints?
A dental revolution has begun...
You know those new Wrigley's tongue-strippers, the sugar-free fresh breath strips that are being hailed as the way forward for fresh breath in a hurry? Well, I've decided that ten minutes of freshness isn't enough for me. You can forget your quick fixes and breathe on your colleagues not just after lunch but for the rest of the afternoon with full confidence: all you need is a Fuzzy Brush.
I'm quite picky about oral hygiene. OK, I'm verging on the obsessive-compulsive. I can actually feel the plaque molecules multiplying on my teeth after drinking a cup of tea. I can visualise the tartar building up after a light afternoon snack of 1000g of dairymilk. It spoils my afternoon when instead of concentrating on what I should be doing, that is reading some thrilling freaky book about cow pats and cosmic forces (I couldn't make it up if I tried), I find myself staring into space, thinking about the layer of fuzz I can feel building up on my teeth.
Long term this probably means I need a new job. Short term, that isn't possible, so I just escape to the bathroom and use a Fuzzy Brush. We have an awkward set-up at work meaning there is no place I can brush my teeth in privacy: literally no sink in a private place. There's not even anywhere I can conceivably walk to in my lunchbreak where I can find a private bathroom.
If I was slightly more obsessed, I might consider this grounds for going part time, so I could go home after lunch. But I'm not that bad, and yes, I am getting to the point, honest.
I found Fuzzy Brushes in a motorway service station on a long road trip: I bought two from a vending machine at 50p each. They come in a small plastic spherical case, which contains an instruction leaflet and the Fuzzy Brush itself. It's about 2cm long, looks like a very mini toothbrush, and you pop it in your mouth and chew for about five minutes, or until your teeth feel clean. OK, 50p a shot isn't exactly cheap. But a Fuzzy Brush is much more effective than a simple breath freshener: and I've yet to find gum that makes my teeth feel sparkly clean.
As you chew, the brush releases xylitol, a popular sweetner, thought to be the best sugar-substitute for reducing tooth decay. In case you were in any doubt, xylitol has official endorsements from six national dental associations. The taste is minty, just like toothpaste on a brush, which is in essence what this marvellous little invention is.
The Fuzzy Brush is made of a 'brush' bit, with plastic bristles in varying sizes and a 'handle' bit which is attached to the brush at a right angle. You grip the handle bit between your teeth and then you can move it along a row of teeth letting the bristles clean in-between. It's like facial gymnastics, so maybe best not to do it while talking to someone.
The hardest part is getting rid of it. I find it best just to spit it out into a tissue (discreetly) and dispose of it in the bin.
No need for toothpaste. No need for water. Just a little plastic ball which fits easily into any pocket, and can be carried anywhere with you.
Just chew and spit. It doesn't leave any residue, and it does feel exactly like you have just cleaned your teeth, properly, with a toothbrush. Weird.
The downside to the Fuzzy Brush? They're not exactly packing the shelves with them at the supermarkets. They are not that easy to come by, unless you are specifically looking, for which I am dropping them a star. The easiest places to spot them are vending machines in hotels, service stations, cinemas and restaurants. You might even be given one on an aeroplane flight with your meal. I think they might take off in a big way.
Sersha - Dooyoo
"What a Great Idea!"
Home Shop International
"Put this mouth-refreshing mini toothbrush head in your mouth and chew for up to 20 minutes as you would a wad of gum, then throw it away. Road test result: It felt like a mouth massage and had an addictive taste - so good I chewed several!"
Glamour Magazine
"I have always loved your product since I stumbled upon them and decided to try one out... Everyone I have shown them to has loved them, and told others about them."
PL - Chicago, USA
"I found your Fuzzy Brushes about a month ago and I just love them! Éevery one I show them to loves them and can't get enough of them. I love telling people about them. Actually, I take a couple wherever I go, and I never end up enjoying them for myself. I am always giving them away."
JA - Idaho
"We are trying to compile 'the ultimate college survival kit.' ...We would like to include some of your Fuzzy Brushes in this section"
CS Teen Magazine - USA
"I was initially interested in your Fuzzy Brushes for our son, who was due to be travelling with his school... in the past they have come in very handy when our children have had sleepovers - one thing a teenage boy will not pack is his toothbrush!! ... we think Fuzzy Brushes are brilliant!"
SD - Los Angeles
"I used your product Fuzzy Brush in a restaurant last night and was sold on your product!" VC - Florida
"Wow! what an amazing product. I had breath like a horse's fart until I tried Fuzzy Brush! Now I can get my salt on with all the ladies! Thank you Fuzzy Brush!
enthusiastic person - New York
"Coated with a peppermint-scented powder, the mini bristles whisk away food bits and bacteria as they freshen breath - just chew and toss. We think it's a brush with greatness!"
Teen People Magazine
"Fuzzy Brush has to be one of the more ingenious items on the market. It requires no toothpaste or water. It's basically a tiny toothbrush you can pop into your mouth and chew like gum. It's easy to carry in a purse or pocket. Fuzzy Brush is meant for use when regular brushing is inconvenient."
Inside MS Magazine
"This is a fantastic product and the introduction in our American Salon creates wonderful exposure and recognition for Fuzzy Brush - recognition well deserved."
American Salon Magazine
"I'm a pilot with Excel Airways during the summer months. I normally fly as a pilot for Miami Air (Airline is based in Miami, Florida). All of my fellow pilots loved "Fuzzy Brushes!" LONG LIVE FUZZY BRUSH!!"
MC - Florida
"I've used Fuzzy Brush and think it's a great idea, whose time has come. Now we don't have to worry about when are we going to be able to brush our teeth after a meal, because we can do it immediately with Fuzzy Brush. So simple and has an appealing flavor that makes my mouth feel fresh again. Hat's off to the makers of Fuzzy Brush."
