A new whitening powder that activates with an electric toothbrush is showing promise as a safer alternative to traditional chemical treatments. Scientists say the toothbrush-activated whitening powder not only removes stains but also helps rebuild enamel and supports oral health.
Developed by a team of researchers in China, the powder works through a piezoelectric effect. When vibrated by an electric toothbrush, it generates a mild electric field that triggers chemical reactions to produce reactive oxygen species, or ROS. These compounds are responsible for breaking down stain-causing molecules on the surface of teeth.
The team published its findings in the journal ACS Nano, highlighting how the powder offers a three-in-one benefit: whitening, enamel repair and microbiome balance.
Min Xing, the study’s lead author, explained that the goal was to create a treatment that could be used safely at home, without the risk of damaging enamel. He said this solution could help users maintain long-term oral health.
New method avoids harsh chemicals in whitening products
Many current whitening products rely on peroxide-based gels, strips or rinses. While effective, these methods can wear down the enamel over time, making teeth more vulnerable to future staining and sensitivity.
The new powder takes a different approach by generating ROS through physical vibration rather than chemical reactions.
Scientists have developed a toothbrush-activated whitening powder that whitens teeth while helping repair enamel and support oral health. A promising step toward safer at-home dental care. 🦷✨#DentalScience #OralHealth #ToothWhitening #DentalInnovation #ElectricToothbrush pic.twitter.com/vZDwGZBYpi
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) January 27, 2026
To create the powder, researchers combined strontium and calcium ions with barium titanate and heated the mixture to form a ceramic compound known as BSCT. In lab tests, the team used teeth stained with tea and coffee.
After four hours of brushing with BSCT and an electric toothbrush, the teeth showed noticeable whitening. By 12 hours, the treated teeth were almost 50 percent whiter compared to a control group brushed with saline.
Toothbrush-activated whitening powder also repairs enamel
Further experiments focused on damaged teeth. When used on enamel and dentin with structural defects, the BSCT powder helped restore these areas. Researchers observed that mineral ions in the powder formed protective deposits on the tooth surface, aiding in repair.
The team also tested the powder on rats fed a high-sugar diet. After four weeks of daily brushing, the treatment reduced inflammation and eliminated bacteria linked to gum disease, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The brushing also helped restore a healthier balance in the rats’ oral microbiomes.
Although the powder has not yet been formulated into commercial toothpaste, researchers view this as a step toward an effective, at-home treatment that offers both cosmetic and health benefits. The development of the toothbrush-activated whitening powder may mark a shift in how consumers care for their teeth.
