A walnut scrub, but for your teeth. It sounds wild, but according to a recently filed patent, it's on the horizon.
On July 2, Colgate-Palmolive filed an international patent for a walnut-based tooth whitening blend. According to the patent, the powder formula is comprised of walnut tree branches, bark or trunks as abrasives to whiten the teeth and can be utilized for both non-aqueous and water-based whitening products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening strips and even chewing gum. Although the patent does not explicitly describe a specific taste, flavoring agents may be added, like sweeteners, fructose or essential oils.
As organic, clean and natural products are in demand now more than ever, consumers are searching for a teeth whitener with natural abrasives, rather than harsher chemicals. However, Colgate-Palmolive states that the walnut blend could possibly be used in formulas with other teeth-whitening agents.
The company also shared that the findings were “impressive” when the walnut whitening-formula was applied twice a day for two weeks. Moreover, when a combined blend of 10-percent abrasive silica and 10-percent walnut-tree powder were tested over the course of seven to nine days, this formula proved more “pronounced” results than a 20-percent abrasive silica formula alone.
While Chicago cosmetic dentist Nathan Hoffman, DDS says he thinks more studies and research need to be completed first, "conceptually, the abrasive characteristic of walnut powder would allow it to be an effective way to remove extrinsic staining, and thus create a ‘whitening’ effect. This has potential to be an excellent natural-solution to over-the-counter whitening.”
