Toothbrush-activated powder whitens, repairs and protects teeth

Phys.org • January 26, 2026 • health

Key Points:

Researchers have developed a prototype teeth-whitening powder called BSCT that activates with electric toothbrush vibrations to both whiten and protect teeth by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the piezoelectric effect.
Laboratory tests showed that brushing stained human teeth with BSCT for 12 hours resulted in nearly 50% whiter teeth compared to controls, while also repairing damaged enamel and dentin by depositing beneficial ions.
In animal studies, daily brushing with BSCT restored the oral microbiome in rats on high-sugar diets, reducing harmful bacteria linked to periodontitis and decreasing inflammation.
Unlike traditional peroxide-based whiteners that can damage enamel, BSCT offers a safer approach by integrating whitening, enamel repair, and microbiome balance for