Study reveals ditching toothbrush can help get whiter teeth and less cavities

However, whitening procedures can damage enamel, causing cavities and discolouration, and toothpaste only removes superficial stains. Researchers have discovered a new hydrogel therapy that whitens teeth without harming them and disintegrates cavity-forming biofilms.
The findings of the research were published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Daily toothbrushing and flossing are good ways to prevent cavities from forming, according to the American Dental Association. However, these methods don’t effectively whiten teeth. For better whitening, consumers often turn to over-the-counter or professional treatments that combine hydrogen peroxide-containing gels and blue light, producing a chemical reaction that removes stains.
This combination removes most of the discoloration, but generates reactive oxygen species that can break down enamel. Previously, Xiaolei Wang, Lan Liao and colleagues modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles for a less destructive tooth-whitening treatment. This method still required high-intensity blue light, which can damage nearby skin and eyes. So, the team wanted to find a material that would be activated by green light — a safer alternative — to both whiten teeth and prevent cavities.
The researchers combined bismuth oxychloride nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles and sodium alginate into a thick mixture. Then, they evenly coated the mixture onto the surface of teeth stuck to a slide and sprayed the concoction with a calcium chloride solution, forming a strongly adhering hydrogel.