The rise of LED lights in oral health

The Power of Light

From charcoal powders to tubes of paste – a brief history of brushing

Oral health has come a long way. Ancient Egyptians brushed with crushed eggshells and pumice. Greeks and Romans used twigs and abrasive powders. In the 1800s, early toothbrushes were made from boar bristles, and tooth powders were stored in tins or wrapped in paper.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that fluoride toothpastes in squeezable plastic tubes became the norm. Since then, the mainstream oral care routine – brush, rinse, repeat – has hardly evolved. While effective to a point, today’s status quo still leaves a lot to be desired.

Toothpaste tubes: a tired ritual with real frustrations

We’ve all been there. The empty tube. The cap gone missing. The crusty paste at the edge of the sink. It’s not just the mess – there are other concerns too:

Inconvenient: You run out just when you need it most.
Wasteful: Over-squeezing or under-using affects both performance and sustainability.
Non-recyclable: Most tubes are made from laminated plastics that end up in landfill.
Formulation concerns: Many contain harsh chemicals, foaming agents, and synthetic whiteners.

For something we do twice a day, we think it’s time brushing got smarter.

Enter LED light: a new layer of care, backed by science

Light therapy isn’t new. Red and blue light have been studied for decades in dermatology, wound healing, and inflammation treatment. But only recently has this technology been applied meaningfully to oral health.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the science:

Blue light (400–500 nm) targets bacteria on the enamel surface. It helps break down stains and reduces plaque buildup, especially when combined with whitening agents like PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid).
Red light (600–800 nm) penetrates deeper, into gums and dentin. It supports cell energy (ATP production), boosts blood flow, calms inflammation, and promotes tissue healing and regeneration.

Both are safe, visible wavelengths. No UV. No damage. Just smart, gentle light with serious potential.

A growing wave: LEDs across many industries

Red and blue LEDs aren’t just trending – they’re transforming health and beauty in many spaces:

Skincare: LED masks that reduce acne, stimulate collagen and brighten skin tone.
Hair regrowth: Red light helmets used to promote scalp circulation and follicle activation.
Pain relief: Devices for joint and muscle recovery that use near-infrared and red wavelengths.
Veterinary and dental care: Light devices used to aid healing after surgery or deep cleans.

Clinical research continues to show how different light wavelengths can positively impact cells, tissue repair and the microbiome. Now it’s time for oral health to catch up.

How NUEOS uses LED light to upgrade your routine

Our NUEOS Starter Kit, launching later this summer, pairs naturally formulated toothpaste and mouthwash tablets with our Light Bath – a sleek, handheld LED device designed to elevate your oral care in just one minute a day.

Here’s how it works together:

Chew the toothpaste tablet – it starts foaming naturally, activating whitening agents like PAP and enamel-restoring HAP (Hydroxyapatite).
Use the Light Bath – the red and blue LED light energises the ingredients and amplifies their effects.
Brush with a wet toothbrush – clean as usual, but more effectively and gently.

This synergy helps you go beyond brushing – for cleaner teeth, stronger enamel, and healthier gums, all in a simple, sustainable routine.