A new teeth-whitening powder could offer a gentler way to brighten smiles—using the vibrations of an electric toothbrush instead of harsh chemicals.
Many people notice their teeth becoming darker over time. This can happen because of genetics, aging, or everyday foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and tomato-based sauces.
Chemical whitening products can remove these stains, but they often rely on strong bleaching agents that may weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and easier to stain again later.
Now, researchers have developed a prototype whitening powder that works differently.
Instead of using high levels of chemicals, the powder is activated by the tiny vibrations produced by an electric toothbrush.
In laboratory tests, it not only whitened teeth but also helped repair enamel and support a healthier mouth.
The powder is made from a special ceramic material containing calcium, strontium, and barium. When the electric toothbrush vibrates, the powder creates a very small electric field.
This triggers chemical reactions that produce stain-breaking molecules similar to those used in traditional whitening products—but in a more controlled way. At the same time, the minerals in the powder can settle onto the tooth surface, helping rebuild damaged enamel and dentin.
To test how well it worked, scientists used human teeth that had been artificially stained with tea and coffee.
After four hours of brushing with the powder and an electric toothbrush, the teeth looked noticeably whiter.
After 12 hours of brushing spread over time, the teeth were nearly 50 percent whiter than similar teeth brushed with salt water. Teeth with surface damage also showed signs of repair, as new mineral layers formed where enamel had been worn away.
The researchers also tested the powder in animals. Rats fed a high-sugar diet, which increases the risk of gum disease, had their teeth brushed once a day for one minute over four weeks. The treatment reduced harmful bacteria linked to gum inflammation and helped restore a healthier balance of microbes in the mouth.
The powder has not yet been turned into a toothpaste, and more testing will be needed before it could be sold to consumers.
Still, the researchers say the early results are promising. If developed further, this vibration-activated approach could offer a safer, at-home way to whiten teeth—while also strengthening them and supporting long-term oral health.
Source: KSR.
