My science fair project goes over the effectiveness and safety of natural substances, such as baking soda and activated charcoal, in whitening teeth compared to normal whitening methods or using normal toothpaste.

Question

ASKING A QUESTION
Now you have selected a topic, it is time to ask a question that will guide your research for the next couple of months. The question must be both measurable and testable. Think about your specific sub-topic and your topic statement from above. Brainstorm 3 problems that you can research, test, and measure. Do some research and brainstorm how you will test and measure each problem.

Problem 1: Does baking soda effectively whiten teeth without causing tooth erosion.
Notes: Investigate the whitening effect of baking soda compared to normal whitening methods.
Testable? Yes or No: Yes
How? : It is possible to conduct an experiment using discolored eggs that represent teeth treated with a baking soda paste for a week.
Measurable? Yes or No: Yes
How?: We can measure the degree of whitening by determining the color change using a dental shade guide before and after the treatment.

Problem 2: Does the use of activated charcoal as a toothpaste alternative result in visible teeth whitening.
Notes: Determine the ability of activated charcoal to whiten teeth over a specified time period.
Testable? Yes or No: Yes
How? : Someone could use activated charcoal toothpaste frequently for a month and then determine results.
Measurable? Yes or No: Yes
How?: Make initial and final assessments using a dental shade guide to measure the changes in tooth color.

Problem 3: How could hydrogen peroxide concentration impact the whitening effect on teeth?
Notes: test different types of concentration of hydrogen peroxide on stained eggs.
Testable? Yes or No: Yes
How? : Use varied concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on stained eggs in a controlled environment.
Measurable? Yes or No: yes
How?: After, compare the color change using a guide of teeth color for more accurate observations.
With this information create a 5 paragraph essay (5 sentneces each paragraph) with the following format :

Body - Paragraph 1: You will need a general discussion of your topic. What is it? Why did you choose to study it? Why is it important? Give just a brief overview of your topic.
Body - Paragraph 2: Discuss and define the organism or system being studied. This is general information about your organism/system that introduces the reader to what is being studied. You will need to explain how to care for the organism; identify specific adaptations, and/or describe how the system works.
Body - Paragraph 3: Discuss and define your variables. This is general information about your variables, but there will be some overlap from paragraph #1. You will need to explain why the variables are important to answering your question.
Body - Paragraph 4-5: Discuss other research which relates to your project. Has other research been done on this project or something similar to it? Explain briefly how your research differs and/or what you are attempting to do. This is the introduction to your experiment. It needs to explain what you are trying to discover.

Answer 1

Body - Paragraph 1:

The focus of my science fair project is on the effectiveness and safety of natural substances, such as baking soda and activated charcoal, in whitening teeth compared to conventional whitening methods and standard toothpaste. I chose to study this topic because dental aesthetics are a significant concern for individuals, and many are seeking natural alternatives to chemical whitening products. Understanding the efficacy and safety of these natural remedies is essential, not just for cosmetic reasons but also for oral health. Whitening teeth is not only associated with improved appearance but can also influence self-esteem and personal confidence. By exploring this topic, I aim to contribute to the conversation on safe and effective oral care choices that individuals can consider.

Body - Paragraph 2:

The organism being studied in this project includes human teeth, represented in experiments by discolored eggs, which model the outer enamel and dentin layers of human teeth. Tooth enamel is the hard, protective layer covering the outer portion of the teeth, and its condition can be affected by different substances. Taking care of real teeth involves practicing good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, avoiding excessive sugar intake, and visiting the dentist regularly. Teeth have unique adaptations, such as enamel's ability to remineralize when exposed to fluoride, which aids in preventative dental care. This study introduces a system that evaluates how different whitening agents impact the color and integrity of tooth enamel.

Body - Paragraph 3:

The variables in this research will consist of the type of whitening agent used (baking soda, activated charcoal, and hydrogen peroxide) and the degree of tooth whitening measured through a dental shade guide. These variables are crucial because they directly relate to the core question of whether natural whitening methods can achieve visible results and whether they are safe for use. The independent variable is the whitening agent, while the dependent variable is the color change of the eggs, providing a quantifiable measurement of effectiveness. Control variables, such as exposure time and initial shade of the treated sample, will be maintained to ensure accurate comparisons. Understanding these variables helps to provide a structured framework for conducting experiments that yield reliable and meaningful outcomes.

Body - Paragraph 4:

Previous research has examined the impact of various whitening agents on dental aesthetics, including the use of activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening. Many studies have demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide is effective for whitening teeth due to its oxidizing properties; however, its safety in varying concentrations is still debated. In contrast, several studies have also focused on the abrasive effects of baking soda, suggesting that while it can remove surface stains, its long-term effects on tooth enamel need further investigation. My research aims to build on this existing body of work by directly comparing the effectiveness of these natural substances against conventional whitening methods in a controlled study. This project offers a unique angle by assessing not only the whitening efficiency but also the impact on enamel health over an extended period.

Body - Paragraph 5:

By conducting careful measurements and comparisons, my research seeks to uncover the potential benefits and drawbacks of using natural whitening substances versus conventional methods, providing a clearer understanding of their effectiveness and safety. While the existing literature has largely concentrated on the effectiveness of chemical whiteners, my project provides a comparative framework that prioritizes natural alternatives. Additionally, I will assess the implications of using these methods on tooth enamel health, which remains less documented in studies focusing primarily on cosmetic results. Overall, this project aims to contribute valuable information to the field of dental care, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their whitening options. Ultimately, I hope to highlight whether natural substances can be viable and safer alternatives that meet personal whitening goals without compromising dental health.