The Safest Way To Whiten Teeth

Specialists from Nanchang University (China) have developed a new method of whitening teeth, which gives the effect of maximum lightening without damaging the enamel. Details about the new technology were shared by the journal ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering.

Specialists from Nanchang University (China) have developed a new method of whitening teeth, which gives the effect of maximum lightening without damaging the enamel. Details about the new technology were shared by the journal ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering.

For non-invasive teeth whitening, Chinese chemists have proposed the use of titanium oxide nanoparticles TiO2 - a wide-gap semiconductor that is often used as a photocatalyst. As an experiment, scientists applied particles to tooth enamel, which was then irradiated with blue light using an LED for four hours. As a result, the authors of the project were convinced: this technology contributes to the decomposition of dyes and the return of white teeth.

"These particles have no less whitening effect than hydrogen peroxide, and at the same time they do not damage tooth enamel. The use of peroxide leads to demineralization, as a result of which the enamel acquires a pronounced hexagonal structure, no destruction of the enamel was observed when using nanoparticles of titanium oxide," said the developers of the new product.

The scientists added that they tested the particles for toxicity, but samples of liver, spleen, and lung cells showed that titanium oxide nanoparticles do not have a toxic effect. The researchers also reported that these particles have an antibacterial effect and can be used to disinfect wounds.