Researchers have developed a novel whitening powder activated by electric toothbrush vibrations that breaks down tooth stains without damaging enamel. Unlike conventional chemical whiteners that can weaken teeth, this approach uses mechanical vibration to trigger targeted chemical activity, improving tooth brightness while also repairing enamel and influencing oral bacteria. Laboratory tests reported in ACS Nano suggest a safer and more protective alternative for managing tooth discoloration
White teeth provide an aesthetic foundation for smiling with confidence. However, teeth were easily stained in daily life by drinking tea, coffee, wine, or smoking, which leads to a growing demand for teeth whitening. Traditional peroxide-based dental whitening agents effectively remove external stains but pose safety risks due to their strong oxidizing action, including enamel demineralization, soft tissue irritation, and potentially causing microbial imbalance. Additionally, their application requires specialized equipment and professional oversight, limiting accessibility for nonexperts. Herein, a nondestructive, convenient teeth whitening strategy based on Ba0.9Sr0.05Ca0.05TiO3 (BSCT) accompanied by piezoelectric catalysis, biomimetic remineralization, and microbial community regulation has been reported. BSCT can generate •O2– and •OH in situ under mechanical vibration, resulting in degradation of organic dyes and inhibition of cariogenic bacterial activity. Besides, the Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions released from BSCT form localized ion-enriched zones on enamel and dentin surfaces, promoting remineralization of minerals. Mechanistically, we reveal that the piezoelectric polarization field enhances antibacterial efficacy by disrupting the bacterial membrane potential and structural integrity, weakening the proton motive force (PMF), and subsequently inhibiting F0F1-ATP synthase activity to block ATP synthesis. Notably, this study presents an innovative discovery that BSCT selectively inhibits dominant pathogenic bacteria while promoting the restoration of beneficial microbial communities, thereby facilitating the reconstruction of oral ecological homeostasis. By overcoming the limitations of traditional teeth whitening technologies, this strategy provides a safe, home-applicable alternative for whitening, mineral repair, caries prevention, and long-term maintenance of oral health.
Reference:
Min Xing, Yechuan Deng, Kuicai Ye, Jiayin Feng, Zhengqian Fu, Wenhao Qian, Xuanyong Liu and Jiajun Qiu. Sr-, Ca-Doped BaTiO₃ with Synergistic Piezoelectric Catalysis and Microbial Balance Effects Enables Tooth Whitening for Home Oral Health. ACS Nano 2026, 20 (2), 2175. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c16997.
Keywords:
Vibration-Activated, Whitening, Powder, Brightens, Teeth, While, Protecting, Enamel, suggests, research , ACS Nano, tooth whitening, piezoelectric, remineralization, antibacterial, oral microbiota, Min Xing, Yechuan Deng, Kuicai Ye, Jiayin Feng, Zhengqian Fu, Wenhao Qian, Xuanyong Liu and Jiajun Qiu. Sr-, Ca-Doped BaTiO₃
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