Ion modification of enamel

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People want a bright smile. To remove tooth stains, dentists use hydrogen peroxide-based treatments. While**this does make teeth whiter, it also weakens them, since it changes the structure of the proteins present in tooth**enamel. In this project we explore a completely new treatment based on changing the mineral composition of**enamel. The idea is similar to using fluorinated toothpastes. Fluorine ions modify enamel and make it harder**and more durable. Here we will explore different ways to modify mineral composition, which we believe will**not only increase the hardness of the tooth, but also its whiteness.**Our industrial partner is Procter and Gamble, one of the leading companies in oral care products. We will work**with them to analyze the very top surface layer of the modified enamel, with a detail that standard techniques**available to the company cannot achieve.**Our results may lead to a revolutionary method that would increase both tooth whiteness and strength, which**could be incorporated into Procter and Gamble's next generation whitening toothpastes, strips or mouth**washes.