What’s the deal with silver? In today’s blog, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about our silver technology and discuss the oral care benefits of infusing silver into the bristles of Doctor Plotka’s toothbrushes. Let’s go!
1. Why silver?
Silver has been used for hundreds of years as an anti-microbial agent and is widely used today in the medical field and numerous consumer products - even laundry detergent! Ancient Greeks and Romans used silver vessels to store water and other liquids to prevent spoilage.
Simply put, microbes (including bacteria, fungi, and viruses) cannot live in the presence of silver because silver suppresses a bacteria cell’s respiration and metabolism. Therefore, silver is safe for use and was the best choice for our bristles!
2. What are the benefits of silver in a toothbrush?
Bacteria can multiply 20x per hour on bristles. Without silver, you’re at risk of re-introducing potentially infectious bacteria back into your system every time you brush. GROSS! You can avoid this with Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers toothbrush!
Dr. Plotka recognized a need for an anti-microbial brush with the enhanced function of superior flossing bristles. Silver was the perfect addition to his brushes. The nano-silver embedded into the bristles acts as an anti-microbial agent. Silver naturally eliminates bacteria that can accumulate on your toothbrush after brushing. Within several hours, your toothbrush bristle will be 99% free of the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may cause illness, tooth decay, and gum disease. Every time you brush, you are using clean bristles!
3. Do you spray or coat the bristles with silver?
Neither! Our bristles are not coated, sprayed, or dipped into silver - instead, a small amount of powdered nano-silver particles are infused into the polyester during the melting process. The silver does not travel in the mouth, body, or environment. The silver is completely locked within the fabric of the bristles. Silver will not eliminate bacteria in your mouth, good or bad, but will keep your brush 99% free of microbes that can multiply and even cross-contaminate your family’s brushes.
4. Does the silver wear off?
The nano-silver particles are embedded into the bristle and are highly resistant to wear. Our rigorous testing indicates that a negligible amount of silver will be worn from the bristles after regular use. The efficacy of the silver does not fade and will last long after your toothbrush will need a refresh!
5. Is the silver used in your toothbrushes safe?
Yes! The silver in each bristle is EPA registered, food grade, and safe to use - even in medical devices. To get this approval, there are continuous testing and safety controls that take place. In addition, silver is naturally derived and has been used for centuries as an antimicrobial/antifungal agent. Plus, we only use a small amount of silver, just what is needed to eliminate 99% of microbes on your brush within 6 hours.
Still unsure? We performed extra testing through independent laboratories to be available at Whole Foods Market, including an Elute Test. This test consisted of plunging a brush into water for a substantial period and then testing the water to measure the silver content to see if the bristles leached silver into the environment. When the results came back, there was less silver in the water than the maximum allowed by the FDA in drinking water!
Conclusion: The Benefits of a Silver Toothbrush
- Silver has been used for hundreds of years as an anti-microbial agent and is widely used today in the medical field and numerous consumer products.
- Silver naturally eliminates bacteria that can accumulate on your toothbrush after brushing. With our brush, your bristles will be 99% free of microbes in just 6 hours!
- If you aren’t using a toothbrush with silver-infused bristles, you risk potentially infectious bacteria back into your system every time you brush!
Ready to experience the best toothbrush on the market head to our shop and grab yours now!
Written by Mouthwatchers, LLC Staff - August 2021