Colgate Wisp

Have you ever been caught out there — before an important meeting, say, or out on the town, after a nice meal — and really, really needed to brush your teeth? I feel your pain. And while some of you are ridiculously prepared with a toothbrush and toothpaste in your purses, I don’t have the time, patience, or room (!) for that. Besides, that requires ducking into a bathroom, which isn’t always possible. Or practical. Or sanitary, for that matter. (Come on, it’s a little gross to be in a public bathroom next to a stranger brushing their teeth and spitting into a sink).
I usually end up chewing on a stick of sugar-free gum, but Colgate Wisp Portable Mini-Brushes (16 brushes, $8.49) are a better solution. These single use mini-toothbrushes fit nicely into any purse (even my overcrowded one) and you don’t need to cart around a tube of toothpaste — the paste is encapsulated in a gel bead in the middle of the brush bristles, so that when you pop it in your mouth and start brushing, the gel is released. It’s just the right amount, too: you won’t end up with a mouth full of foam that will require a spit and rinse.
The genius part is the pick at the opposite end of the brush — perfect for going after those stubborn bits of spinach and popcorn kernels that want to take up permanent lodging between your teeth.
It’s important to note that these teeny brushes aren’t meant for a heavy-duty cleaning — if you just ate something heavy on the garlic, for example, these aren’t going to get the job done. But if you just need a quick refresh, a little Wisp is all you need.
Available in three toothpaste flavors: Spearmint, Peppermint, and Cinnamint.

Melissa Johnson, Senior Editor