A powder that whitens teeth without damaging them?
Researchers say that as well as whitening it also repairs enamel and supports healthy oral bacteria.
Researchers have developed a teeth-whitening powder that works with the vibrations of an electric toothbrush to safely remove stains.
But, unlike traditional whiteners, it not only brightens teeth but also repairs enamel and supports healthy oral bacteria. Laboratory tests showed dramatic whitening effects, while animal studies revealed reduced harmful microbes and inflammation.
The researchers say that it could pave the way for a new generation of at-home dental care. “This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance for long-term oral health,” said Min Xing, first author on the study.
Whitening products traditionally rely on peroxide-based bleaching found in strips, gels, and mouth rinses. These treatments work by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which break down the molecules responsible for stains.
However, these same reactions can also weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to future discoloration and other issues.
To overcome these drawbacks, Xing and his team developed a new compound that produces ROS only when triggered by the motion of an electric toothbrush. At the same time, the material is designed to strengthen and repair the tooth structure instead of damaging it.
The team created the material by combining strontium and calcium ions with barium titanate, then heating the mixture to form a ceramic powder called BSCT. When exposed to vibration, the powder produces a small electric field — a phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect — which drives chemical reactions that generate ROS.
In early experiments, human teeth stained with tea and coffee were brushed with BSCT using an electric toothbrush. After four hours, the teeth showed noticeable whitening. After 12 hours, they were nearly 50% whiter than similar teeth brushed with a saline solution.
The researchers also found that the powder helped restore damaged enamel and dentin. Minerals in the powder, including strontium, calcium and barium, formed deposits on the tooth surface, rebuilding key structures.
The team then evaluated the powder in rats fed high-sugar diets. Brushing for one minute per day over four weeks helped rebalance the oral microbiome. The treatment reduced harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus and lowered inflammation levels.
Although the powder has not yet been formulated into a toothpaste, the findings suggest it could lead to a new type of at-home whitening treatment that is both effective and protective of oral health.