A newly developed tooth-whitening powder that works with electric toothbrushes could offer a safer alternative to traditional chemical whitening products, according to researchers in China.
The powder, created by a research team led by Min Xing, uses a piezoelectric effect to remove stains while also repairing enamel and supporting oral health. The findings were published in the journal ACS Nano.
Unlike conventional whitening products that rely on peroxide-based chemicals, the new method generates whitening agents through physical vibration. When an electric toothbrush vibrates the powder, it creates a mild electric field that triggers chemical reactions producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). These compounds break down stain-causing molecules on the surface of teeth.
“Our goal was to develop a whitening treatment that people could safely use at home without damaging enamel,” Xing said. He added that the approach may help protect long-term oral health while delivering cosmetic benefits.
To create the powder, researchers combined strontium and calcium ions with barium titanate and heated the mixture to form a ceramic material known as BSCT. In laboratory tests, teeth stained with tea and coffee were brushed using BSCT and an electric toothbrush. After four hours, visible whitening was observed. After 12 hours, the treated teeth were nearly 50 percent whiter than those brushed with saline.
The team also tested the powder on damaged enamel and dentin. Results showed that mineral ions in the powder formed protective deposits on the tooth surface, helping repair structural defects.
Animal studies produced additional results. Rats fed a high-sugar diet and brushed daily with the powder for four weeks showed reduced gum inflammation and a decline in harmful bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment also helped restore a healthier balance in the oral microbiome.
While the powder has not yet been developed into a commercial toothpaste, researchers believe it represents an important step toward a multifunctional, at-home dental care product that combines whitening with enamel protection and oral health support.
