Replacing toothbrushes: Scientists unveil hydrogen treatment for “safer” teeth whitening

15 Aug 2022 --- A National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded study is introducing a hydrogel treatment that removes biofilms that cause cavities while whitening teeth without harming the enamel.

During the study, stained teeth gradually became brighter after the hydrogel and green light treatment, and the enamel was unharmed. The scientists demonstrated in different trials that the treatment killed 94% of the bacteria in biofilms.

In a bid to eliminate high-intensity blue light, which can harm the surrounding skin and eyes, the researchers looked for safer alternatives, activated by green light, to whiten teeth and prevent cavities.

Regarding traditional teeth cleaning methods, scientists note that only the surface stains are removed by toothpaste whereas whitening procedures can damage enamel, causing cavities and discoloration.

Considering this, the researchers developed a hydrogel treatment that whitens teeth without harming them by disintegrating cavity-causing biofilms. According to the researchers, their safe, brush-free method whitens teeth while efficiently preventing cavities.

According to the researchers, the American Dental Association recommends using a toothbrush and floss daily to avoid cavities. However, these techniques do not work well in whitening teeth.

No blue light: An enamel supporting procedure
Customers frequently use over-the-counter or professional whitening procedures that include blue light and gels containing hydrogen peroxide to produce a chemical reaction that eliminates stains for improved whitening. This combination removes the majority of the discoloration, but it also produces reactive oxygen species that can damage enamel.

Researchers say the brush-free method safely whitens teeth and efficiently prevents cavities.During the study, the scientists created a thick mixture by mixing sodium alginate, copper oxide nanoparticles and bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles. After evenly applying the mixture to the surface of teeth attached to a slide, they sprayed the mixture with a calcium chloride solution to create a highly adhesive hydrogel.

The material was then tested on teeth placed in a lab dish and stained with soy sauce, coffee, tea, blueberry juice and other substances. The teeth gradually became brighter after treatment with the hydrogel and green light.

The team tested the new method on mice whose mouths had been injected with cavity-causing bacteria in order to show that the treatment could be effective on teeth in-vivo. The hydrogel activated by green light successfully prevented the development of moderate and deep cavities on the animals’ teeth surfaces.

Enhanced root canal treatments and dental tools
In other dental health developments, PersonalCareInsights previously reported on researchers from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the US who found a tissue regeneration method utilizing injectable hydrogen to replace root canal procedures. This alternative therapy was backed by a US$3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

In related research, US-based University of Washington researchers created the O-pH system. This cavity-detecting dental tool can identify the areas of tooth enamel most sensitive to plaque acidity. In NPD, Symrise, in partnership with Probi, unveiled SymReboot OC, a probiotic that may promote a healthy oral microbiome and strengthen gums.

By Nicole Kerr