We have all been there. We buy the newest whitening toothpaste, switch to electric brushes, and try every trending hack that promises a brighter smile. But here is the truth no one really talks about. We are obsessed with the look of our teeth and rarely think about the health of what is holding them together, your gums.

It turns out, the foundation of your smile may be the most overlooked part of your oral routine. And while the industry keeps giving us whiter and shinier ways to clean, few have asked the question that actually matters. What if your toothbrush is missing something essential?

So when we got our hands on the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush, our first reaction was the same as yours. What is this? Is it even necessary? And is this just another device jumping on the red light therapy trend right now?

Naturally, we had questions. So we tested it for ourselves, then reached out to the team at BON CHARGE to ask some real questions about the science behind it.

Is It Really Necessary or Just a Wellness Gimmick

When you first hear about a toothbrush that beams red light into your mouth, it is easy to roll your eyes. After all, there is a gadget for everything now. But here is the thing: red light therapy is not just a passing wellness trend. It is one of the most studied light technologies in modern science, used for everything from skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery. And now, researchers are finding it might play an important role in supporting gum health too.

In simple terms, red and near infrared light help your cells make energy. When this light reaches the soft tissue in your mouth, it can “wake up” the cells responsible for keeping your gums strong, healthy, and supported. Several studies have found that these wavelengths can reduce inflammation, support healing, and help gum cells maintain their structure.

One key study published in Materials found that specific red and near infrared wavelengths improved the health and survival of human gum cells while helping support gum cell viability and healthy cellular responses. The research suggests these light wavelengths may help cells repair and regenerate naturally.

So yes, the concept might sound futuristic, but it is backed by science. Whether it is necessary depends on how proactive you want to be about long term oral wellness. Brushing and flossing keep your teeth clean, but light therapy supports the foundation beneath the surface, where true smile health begins.

What the Science Says

The science behind light therapy sounds complex, but it is actually simple. Red light and near infrared are wavelengths that your cells can absorb. Once absorbed, they help create more cellular energy, giving your tissues the fuel they need to function and stay healthy.

In everyday terms, this means light can do what toothpaste and mouthwash cannot. It supports your gums at a deeper level, where traditional brushing does not reach. While it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing, light therapy works as an added layer of support that helps strengthen the foundation of your smile over time.

What Makes the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush Different

Think of this as brushing reimagined. The BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush pairs two wavelengths of light that work at different depths to create a complete gum care ritual.

Red Light at 660 nanometers works on the surface layers of gum tissue where irritation or sensitivity often starts. It helps energize the cells responsible for healing and supports recovery after cleaning.

Near Infrared Light at 830 nanometers travels deeper below the surface where it can encourage local circulation and support gum vitality over time.

The two wavelengths, 660 nanometers for red and 830 nanometers for near infrared, work together to support the tissue beneath the surface while the brush’s sonic technology handles the rest. With up to 320 vibrations per second, it delivers that crisp, polished clean you usually only get from a professional visit.

It also comes with four brushing modes because not every morning or mouth needs the same level of intensity. Clean mode is your daily go-to. Sensitive mode is great for when your gums need a little extra care. Care mode sits comfortably in between, and Polish mode gives that just whitened finish when you want to look extra fresh for the day.

When we tried it, the bristles gave a nice satisfying clean, and watching the soft red glow light up our reflection was unexpectedly cool. When we asked what sparked the idea, the answer was surprisingly straightforward. Red light and near infrared are already used to support skin, muscles, and recovery, but the team noticed that oral care had been left behind. Katie Mant, the Co-Founder of BON CHARGE, saw an opportunity to apply that same science to an area most people overlook – the gums.

She explained that research points to these specific wavelengths as potentially beneficial for gum tissue, which forms the foundation of a healthy smile. The goal was not to reinvent oral care but to make it smarter and more supportive of long-term gum health.

Why It Matters

For years, oral care has been about surface results, whiter teeth, fresher breath, and a minty finish that fades in minutes. What rarely gets attention is the foundation that actually determines long term oral health: the gums. They are living tissue, not just the frame for your smile, and they need energy and circulation to stay healthy.

That is where light comes in. The science around red and near infrared wavelengths points to something simple but powerful. When your cells have more energy, they function better. For your gums, that means stronger tissue, better recovery, and continued vitality over time.

The BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush taps into that idea, bringing light-based care into one of the most familiar rituals we have. It is a small shift, but one that reframes the way we think about daily care. For years, we have focused on cleaning what we can see. The future of oral wellness might just be about energizing what we cannot.

We’ve teamed up with BON CHARGE to give readers an exclusive offer. Take 15% off the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush with code TCM15 and bring a little light to your daily ritual. [ SHOP NOW]

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health-related programs. This story is brought to you in partnership with BON CHARGE. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.