The Missing Step In Oral Wellness
Tahnee StreatfeildBON CHARGE™ explores how targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can support skin, muscles, sleep, and energy — and one daily ritual that may be missing out: your mouth. Research suggests specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light may support the tissues at the foundation of your smile — your gums — and when your gums feel good, your whole smile tends to follow.1
How Near-Infrared and Red Light May Support Oral Health
Near-infrared and red light are well known for supporting the body in skin treatments, muscle recovery and relaxation routines. These wavelengths are absorbed by cells and may encourage natural cellular energy (ATP) production2, supporting the body’s built-in renewal processes.3
When the same light is applied inside the mouth, gum cells — like skin cells — respond by becoming energised, which helps them maintain structure and function.4
One Smile. Two Wavelengths. More Support.
The mouth is composed of complex layers that determine how a smile looks, feels, and functions. Red and near-infrared light act at different depths: combined, they can support gums from the surface down, producing benefits that build gently over time. Preliminary studies suggest visible and near-infrared wavelengths can help maintain a balanced oral environment and support the oral microbiome.5
Studies indicate these wavelengths can soothe gum irritation6, support natural renewal processes4, 7–9, and help calm sensitivity.10
Red Light: Surface-Level Support
Red light is visible and reaches the upper tissue layers where irritation and sensitivity often begin. Red light may:
- Support healthy gum tissue alongside professional cleaning.11
- Energise cells for daily support and faster recovery.9
- Help manage mild gum irritation symptoms.4, 7, 8
Near-Infrared: Deeper Tissue Benefits
Near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light, allowing it to reach below the gum surface where foundational support is needed. Near-infrared may:
- Stimulate local circulation at a deeper level.13–15
- Support healthy cellular activity beneath the surface.1, 16
- Encourage long-term tissue vitality.17
Together, these wavelengths provide complementary support: surface-level calm from red light and deeper activation from near-infrared, forming a gentle, consistent oral wellness approach without adding extra time to your routine.18
Why the Gums Matter
Even with regular brushing and flossing, gums are often overlooked. They are the foundation of your smile — when under stress you may notice occasional sensitivity, mild discomfort or tension. Light-based care interacts with gum tissue below the surface to offer gentle support where it may help most.18
A Familiar Technology, Now for Your Smile
Red light therapy is not new: practitioners and physiotherapists have used it for years to calm the body and support recovery.19, 20 Now, combining red and near-infrared wavelengths in the context of oral care is showing promising results. It’s simple, non-invasive, and integrates easily into the minutes you already spend brushing: no added steps, just simplified wellness.
Why Smiles Deserve More
Self-care often misses the smile. A healthy smile is more than brightness — it’s about supporting gums, teeth, and small rituals that help you feel your best. Light-based oral care is promising because it’s gentle, science-backed and easy to adopt.
Supporting Long-Term Oral Health
Light-based oral care can fit into your daily brushing routine to support smile longevity between dental visits. If you are undergoing dental treatment or have pre-existing health conditions, check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting.
What’s Next
BON CHARGE™ has explored how light supports sleep, skin and wellbeing — and now the smile. If red light is already part of your ritual, you’ll soon be able to take it one step further. Something is coming that brings red and near-infrared light to an overlooked part of your wellness routine: designed to support gums, glow and your whole smile. Stay tuned.
References
- Kocherova, I. et al. Photobiomodulation with Red and Near-Infrared Light Improves Viability and Modulates Expression of Mesenchymal and Apoptotic-Related Markers in Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Mater. Basel Switz. 14, 3427 (2021).
- Hamblin, M. R. & Demidova, T. N. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. in Mechanisms for Low-Light Therapy vol. 6140 614001 (SPIE, 2006).
- Hamblin, M. R. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 4, 337–361 (2017).
- Yamauchi, N. et al. High-Intensity Red Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation Suppresses the Inflammatory Response of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by Promoting Intracellular ATP Synthesis. Life Basel Switz. 12, 736 (2022).
- Amaroli, A., Ravera, S., Zekiy, A., Benedicenti, S. & Pasquale, C. A Narrative Review on Oral and Periodontal Bacteria Microbiota Photobiomodulation, through Visible and Near-Infrared Light. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 23, 1372 (2022).
- Genina, E. A. et al. Phototherapy of gingivitis: pilot clinical study. J. Innov. Opt. Health Sci. 04, 437–446 (2011).
- Lim, W. et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of 635 nm irradiations on in vitro direct/indirect irradiation model. J. Oral Pathol. Med. 44, 94–102 (2015).
- Choi, H. et al. Inflammatory cytokines are suppressed by light-emitting diode irradiation of P. gingivalis LPS-treated human gingival fibroblasts. Lasers Med. Sci. 27, 459–467 (2012).
- Yoo, K.-M. et al. Development of LED Module for Tooth Care with Effect of Promoting Scar Treatment and Analysis of Optical Properties. J. Korean Soc. Ind. Converg. 23, 701–708 (2020).
- Anitasari, S., Wahab, D. E., Barlianta, B. & Budi, H. S. Determining the Effectivity of Infrared Distance to Eliminate Dental Pain Due to Pulpitis and Periodontitis. Eur. J. Dent. 14, 360–365 (2020).
- Lee, J. et al. In vitro investigation of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of LED irradiation. J. Periodontal Implant Sci. 53, 110–119 (2023).
- Ash, C., Dubec, M., Donne, K. & Bashford, T. Effect of wavelength and beam width on penetration in light-tissue interaction using computational methods. Lasers Med. Sci. 32, 1909–1918 (2017).
- Keszler, A. et al. In Vivo Characterization of a Red Light-Activated Vasodilation: A Photobiomodulation Study. Front. Physiol. 13, 880158 (2022).
- Mitchell, U. H. & Mack, G. L. Low-level laser treatment with near-infrared light increases venous nitric oxide levels acutely. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 92, 151–156 (2013).
- George, S., Hamblin, M. R. & Abrahamse, H. Effect of red light and near infrared laser on the generation of reactive oxygen species in primary dermal fibroblasts. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B 188, 60–68 (2018).
- Desmet, K. D. et al. Clinical and experimental applications of NIR-LED photobiomodulation. Photomed. Laser Surg. 24, 121–128 (2006).
- Barolet, D. Photobiomodulation in Dermatology: Harnessing Light from Visible to Near Infrared. Med. Res. Arch. 6, (2018).
- Etemadi, A., Sadatmansouri, S., Sodeif, F., Jalalishirazi, F. & Chiniforush, N. Photobiomodulation Effect of Different Diode Wavelengths on the Proliferation of Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells. Photochem. Photobiol. 97, 1123–1128 (2021).
- Glass, G. E. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthet. Surg. J. 41, 723–738 (2021).
- Leal-Junior, E. C. P. et al. Effect of phototherapy (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy) on exercise performance and markers of exercise recovery: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Lasers Med. Sci. 30, 925–939 (2015).
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