Scientists have developed a new teeth-whitening powder that activates with electric toothbrush vibrations to remove stains while repairing enamel. Lab tests showed up to 50% whitening on stained teeth, and animal studies indicated improved oral microbiome balance. The findings appear in ACS Nano.
Teeth discoloration from factors like coffee, tomatoes, or genetics prompts many to use peroxide-based whiteners, which can damage enamel through reactive oxygen species (ROS). To counter this, a team led by Min Xing, Wenhao Qian, Xuanyong Liu, and Jiajun Qiu created a powder called BSCT, made by combining strontium and calcium ions with barium titanate and heating it into a ceramic form. This material leverages the piezoelectric effect—generating an electric field from vibrations—to produce ROS selectively during brushing, avoiding constant enamel erosion while depositing minerals to repair tooth structure. Min Xing, the first author, stated, 'This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral health.' In lab experiments, human teeth stained with tea and coffee were brushed with BSCT using an electric toothbrush. After four hours, whitening was noticeable; by 12 hours, they were nearly 50% whiter than teeth treated with saline solution. The powder also rebuilt damaged enamel and dentin using its strontium, calcium, and barium content. Animal tests involved rats on high-sugar diets brushed once daily for four weeks. This reduced harmful bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus, while lowering inflammation and rebalancing the oral microbiome. The research, published in ACS Nano (2026, 20(2):2175, DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c16997), received funding from the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Municipality bodies, and others. The powder has yet to be integrated into toothpaste but suggests potential for protective at-home dental products.
