New research has found that a future without traditional toothbrushes may not be too far away. A research team managed to create a new hydrogel that was able to combine the qualities of avoiding cavities and whitening teeth – both at the same time. This combination would prove hugely popular with consumers.
We all look to keep our teeth as healthy and as white as possible. This helps us to avoid needing dental treatment, and also helps us with our aesthetic appearance.
To achieve this, most of us brush our teeth twice a day with toothpaste, and floss. But while this is useful for keeping cavities and tooth decay away, toothpaste only has limited powers when it comes to keeping teeth white.
This is because toothpaste typically only removes surface stains. Therefore, for those that want to whiten their teeth, specific whitening treatment is sought. But many tooth whitening treatments have the potential to be harmful to our oral health.
This creates a situation where it is difficult to keep our teeth cavity-free and white at the same time. But now, a team of researchers have created a new hydrogel treatment that has the potential to disrupt cavity-forming biofilms whilst whitening teeth without damaging them.
Existing Teeth Whitening Market
The best way for us to have strong oral health is to regularly brush our teeth, floss, and attend dental check-ups. The appearance of our teeth has been linked to our mental health, with those unhappy with their smile typically having a lower self-esteem [1].
It is therefore no surprise that many people seek cosmetic dental treatment in the form of teeth whitening. In fact, a recent study projected that the worldwide teeth whitening market will be worth over $8billion by 2030 [2].
But teeth whitening products also present problems. For example, existing treatments – which use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – have side effects like hypersensitivity, pulp damage and gum irritation – especially in longer applications [3].
Furthermore, many whitening products use a blue light. However, many studies show that blue light actually has the potential to break down enamel, which is obviously bad for our oral health [4]. Therefore, while teeth whitening products can be effective, they also have unwanted effects.
The Research
The research team published their findings in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal [5]. The researchers were hoping to create a hydrogel that could combine the qualities of a toothpaste and whitening products – albeit without the unwanted side effects.
To begin with, the researchers decided that they would use green light instead of a blue light [5]. This is because green light is safer than blue light, yet it is still capable of activating the materials used in brushing and whitening.
Firstly, the aim was to create the hydrogel. The researchers combined the ingredients bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles and sodium alginate [5]. These materials were selected for their various properties, such as their cleaning ability and enamel-strengthening qualities.
The ingredients were made into a thick mixture [5]. The mixture was then sprayed with calcium chloride – which resulted in the creation of a strong hydrogel [5]. The hydrogel would then be used for the next part of the study.
To complete the actual experiment, the study used real teeth that had been extracted from humans [5]. These teeth had been intentionally stained with coffee, tea and blueberry juice [5]. These are all common causes of stained teeth.
The teeth were then coated by the mixture created above. Then, green light was used to activate the mixture [5]. The researchers then waited to see what would happen with the combination.
They found that as the teeth got whiter over time, there was no damage to the enamel [5]. The team also found that the treatment was capable of killing 94% of the bacteria in biofilms [5].
For added validity, the researchers used the treatment on mice. The mice involved were exposed to cavity-forming bacteria. The researchers found that moderate and deep cavities were prevented from forming by using the gel [5].
Overall, the researchers were very pleased with how the study worked out. They concluded that they had created an effective, safe and brush-free treatment that was capable of preventing cavities, whilst whitening teeth [5]!
What this means
This is a rather remarkable piece of research! The results of the study are very impressive. Not only can this hydrogel clean teeth and prevent cavities, but it is also capable of whitening teeth. Therefore, it combined the best elements of toothpaste and whitening products.
Regarding the next steps, any such treatment takes time to get to market. A necessary step would be for human trials to take place, though it is unclear when this will be. It is important to test its safety on live humans.
However, the findings at this stage are certainly positive. It appears that it could turn into a very effective product, that would certainly prove popular for everyone.
It is crazy to think – but one day we may not need to brush our teeth the traditional way. This is hard to comprehend at this point, but based on this research, it is a very realistic prospect.
Thinking points…
1) Too many people seek low-quality tooth whitening services. Here at Savanna Dental, we have safe and effective tooth whitening solutions! We offer both in-office and take-home whitening kits, which can help to improve your smile and give you more confidence. These are highly popular kits which have helped many people. If you are interested in hearing more about our teeth whitening services, visit our website today https://savannadentalclinic.ca/teeth-whitening-calgary/!
2) While the research outlined above is exciting, for now, things will be staying the same. Therefore, it is important to continue to have excellent oral hygiene. This can also lessen the chances of you needing to have cosmetic work like whitening! Make sure you attend regular dental check-ups, as this is the best way of seeing how your oral health is. Make sure you arrange an appointment soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at , we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Larenas, J., Aguirre, P., Miranda, C., Tonetto, M., Jorquera, G., Riveros, P., & Godoy, E. (2020). The change of teeth color, whiteness variations and its psychosocial and selfperception effects when using low vs. high concentration bleaching gels: a one-year follow-up. BMC Oral Health. 20 (255). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-01244-x.
[2] Astute Analytica. (2022). Global Teeth Whitening Products Market Size Expected to Reach USD 8,316.50 Million by 2030|CAGR: 6.03%: Astute Analytica. Available: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-teeth-whitening-products-market-size-expected-to-reach-usd-8-316-50-million-by-2030cagr-6-03-astute-analytica-301514756.html. Last accessed: 6th August 2022.
[3] NHS. (2022). Teeth whitening. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-whitening/. Last accessed: 6th August 2022.
[4] Yoshini, F., & Yoshida, A. (2018). Effects of blue-light irradiation during dental treatment. Japanese Dental Science Review. 54 (4): p160-168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdsr.2018.06.002.
[5] Li, Q., Liu, J., Xu, Y., Liu, H., Zhang, J., Wang, Y., Sun, Y., Zhao, M., Liao, L., & Wang, X. (2022). Fast Cross-Linked Hydrogel as a Green Light-Activated Photocatalyst for Localized Biofilm Disruption and Brush-Free Tooth Whitening/ ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 14 (25): p28427-28438. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c00887.
