What is Activated Charcoal?
Before knowing about activated charcoal teeth whitening, let us first know about what is activated charcoal? Activated charcoal is a form of charcoal that has undergone special processing which converts it into a fine black powder. This powder is formed by heating coal with other natural products.
The heating process creates large pores into the mineral, trapping chemicals. This porous substance enhances the absorptive qualities and volatility of the charcoal, allowing it to clean materials like food debris. Therefore, several people believes in teeth whitening is possible through activated charcoal.
Does Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Really Possible?
Several tooth product manufacturers claim that charcoal products whiten teeth and remineralize them. However, there is no scientific or clinical data to back these theories.
How Does Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Works?
Activated charcoal has a large surface area, which allows it to absorb substances like toxins and other chemicals from your body. When you apply it on your teeth, plaque, bacteria, and food particles stick to it and are removed.
It is believed that activated charcoal removes stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce, curries, etc. However, it will not make your teeth whiter than their natural color. If you have naturally yellow teeth or a pre-existing medical condition, try out other teeth whitening treatments.
How to Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
Activated charcoal is different from normal charcoal. You cannot rub the leftover charcoal from your barbecue stove on your teeth. Buy medically safe activated charcoal from a chemist or an online health store.
There are several forms of activated charcoal:
- Powder (in capsule or loose form)
- Whitening strips
- Tablets
- Whitening pens
- Toothpaste
What Are The Pros of Using Activated Charcoal?
There are some advantages of using this ingredient as long as you integrate it with other healthy oral habits like brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, and regular dental checkups.
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Cleans Stains
Activated charcoal possesses a high absorptive ability, due to which it removes stains from the enamel of your teeth.
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Inexpensive
Several tooth product manufacturing companies produce toothpaste containing activated charcoal. They are inexpensive compared to teeth whitening treatments.
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Polishes Teeth
The abrasive nature of activated charcoal smoothens out the rough exterior of your teeth and polishes it with frequent usage.
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What Are The Cons of Using Activated Charcoal?
There are two sides to every coin. Although people claim there are benefits of using activated charcoal to whiten teeth, there are several disadvantages. Consider these before you use activated charcoal in your oral routine:
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Thinning Enamel
As mentioned earlier, activated charcoal is abrasive in nature. With regular usage, it will deteriorate your enamel permanently and irreversibly. Once your enamel is thinned, it can cause tooth sensitivity, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral conditions.
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Surface Roughness
Using activated charcoal on its own causes surface roughness and changes your teeth’s enamel. This rough surface enhances the risk of gum diseases and cavities.
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Abrasive
Activated charcoal is also found in powder form, which is proven to be five times more abrasive than toothpaste because of the particles’ size.
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Doesn’t Whiten Teeth
While several marketing tactics showcase activated charcoal as an agent of teeth whitening, it is not scientifically proven. Although it can eliminate teeth stains, it cannot stop your teeth from yellowing.
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No Fluoride
Fluoride is responsible for fighting cavities. Activated charcoal toothpaste does not contain this vital element, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities.
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Conclusion
The best teeth whitening method is professional teeth whitening. It is ideal for deep-seated yellowing of the teeth and provides immediate results. You can always try gels and toothpaste available in the market, but it is important to consult your dentist before using them. The best way to keep your mouth healthy is to visit your dentist regularly. They know what’s best for your mouth.
Schedule your teeth whitening consultation TODAY!
Featured Image Credit – Authority Dental
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health,recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.