Researchers have developed a tooth-whitening powder that is activated by the vibrations of an electric toothbrush, according to a press release from the American Chemical Society.
When activated, the powder triggers the release of reactive oxygen species that break down stains without harming teeth, according to the release dated January 26.
“This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral health,” Min Xing, a researcher at the Shanghai Xuhui District Stomatological Hospital in China and lead author of a study on the prototype powder, said in the release.
Peroxide-based products, including strips, gels, and rinses, that are widely used to whiten teeth produce reactive oxygen species that break down stains. However, these chemical whiteners can damage enamel, making teeth more prone to restaining and other oral health issues. The research team created a ceramic powder, called BSCT, that combines strontium and calcium ions with barium titanate, which is then heated the mixture.
When exposed to vibration, the powder produces a small electric field through the piezoelectric effect, triggering reactions that generate stain-breaking reactive oxygen species. In lab tests on human teeth stained with tea and coffee, brushing with BSCT and an electric toothbrush led to visible whitening after four hours and more whitening than controls after 12 hours, according to the release.
Additionally, on teeth with enamel and dentin damage, the powder deposited beneficial mineral ions on the tooth surface. In animal studies, rats on high-sugar diets showed improved oral health after four weeks of daily brushing, including reduced harmful bacteria and inflammation and a restored oral microbiome.
In the future, the researchers plan to incorporate the powder into a toothpaste. Their findings mark progress toward a safe, effective at-home option for whitening teeth while supporting overall oral health, according to the release.
