NaNbO₃/ZnO piezocatalyst for non-destructive tooth cleaning and antibacterial activity

Tooth discoloration and plaque formation are serious issues for dental healthcare professionals across the world. Although traditional hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning methods are efficient, they can cause enamel demineralization, periodontal irritation, and toxicity. Also, these treatments are time-taking. Here, we present a noninvasive, safe, and simple tooth cleaning approach by using the piezoelectric phenomenon. After 6 h of vibrations, contaminated teeth can be significantly cleaned by the NaNbO₃/ZnO binary nanocomposite. Moreover, the NaNbO₃/ZnO binary nanocomposite-based piezocatalysis tooth cleaning procedure causes far less harm to enamel and biological cells in comparison to hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning methods. To evaluate its functionality, organic dyes were degraded by piezoelectric effect of NaNbO₃/ZnO binary nanocomposite under ultrasonic irradiation. The piezoelectric potential of NaNbO₃/ZnO was found to be 3.75 V. The binary nanocomposite's antibacterial activity was proven to be efficient against Escherichia coli with the inhibitory zone of 21 mm and complete removal of bacteria.