A cleaning and whitening system for teeth having an electromagnetic
radiation emitting toothbrush and a dentifrice with a photosensitive
agent is disclosed. The toothbrush has a cleaning surface, such as
bristles. The toothbrush is also adapted to direct electromagnetic
radiation toward the cleaning surface. The electromagnetic radiation may
be monochromatic or polychromatic. Further, the electromagnetic radiation
may be substantially free of ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the
electromagnetic radiation may consist essentially of wavelengths within a
range of 300 to 750 nanometers. The photosensitive agent is dispersed
throughout the dentifrice. The dentifrice transmits the electromagnetic
radiation through a varying thickness disposed over a target surface
during use of the system. As a result, a significant portion of the
photosensitive agent reacts, resulting in whitening stains, removing
and/or disclosing undesired substances, and/or foaming. The dentifrice
may be clear and may have clear abrasive particles. A method for tuning
the cleaning and whitening system for teeth includes formulating the
dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to a range of
electromagnetic radiation and providing a toothbrush that emits that
electromagnetic radiation range. Another method of tuning the cleaning
and whitening system includes designing a toothbrush that emits a range
of electromagnetic radiation and formulating a dentifrice with
photosensitive agents that react to the electromagnetic radiation range.