Open Innovation Technical Need

Whitening and stain prevention technologies designed for sensitive teeth

Description

We are looking for new ingredients, raw materials, and technologies that offer tooth whitening and/or stain prevention benefits and can be formulated into a daily-use toothpaste or potentially other oral care delivery format.

Background

Consumers want visibly whiter teeth but the most effective whitening treatments, i.e. bleaching via peroxides, are known to cause sensitivity.

Those who already experience tooth sensitivity are especially cautious about using strong whitening treatments, fearing they will worsen their condition.

While sensitivity toothpastes help manage discomfort, they do not provide the level of whitening that many consumers desire.

As a result, there is growing interest in whitening solutions that deliver visibly whiter teeth without worsening sensitivity, or ideally, solutions that both brighten teeth and alleviate tooth sensitivity.

Key Success Criteria

Must-have requirements

Significant improvement in visible whiteness (e.g., greater than 2 shades)
Optimized cleaning, stain removal, and/or stain prevention
Fast-acting whitening or effective with repeated 1–5-minute exposures
No negative impact on tooth sensitivity
Data proving efficacy in vitro or in vivo

Preferred Requirements

Ideally suitable for global regulatory approval
Safe and suitable for daily oral use, whether leave-in or rinse-out
Acceptable taste and sensory attributes, with any negatives clearly identified
Cost-effective for inclusion in a daily-use consumer product
Sustainable solutions (e.g., CO2 footprint)

Approaches not of interest

Traditional high-peroxide bleaching treatments known to increase tooth sensitivity
Slow-acting treatments that require prolonged application times and extended use