Over the past few years, activated charcoal has risen in popularity within the health and beauty community. Whether it’s in a skincare product or taken as a supplement, activated charcoal has become somewhat of a trend. Some health experts even claim that brushing with activated charcoal can give you a whiter and brighter smile, as an alternative to traditional toothpaste.
At Plancich Dental, we want to answer some questions you may have about activated charcoal as a teeth whitening method. We will explore the effectiveness of the substance and whether you should actually incorporate it into your daily oral hygiene routine.
What Exactly is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal differs from your common, barbecue charcoal. It’s mainly for medicinal purposes. Most people are familiar with common charcoal, which can come from coal, petroleum, or wood. In order to turn it into activated charcoal, manufacturers must heat it within the presence of gas. This will result in the charcoal developing internal spaces or “pores.”.
How Does Activated Charcoal Whiten Teeth?
The activated charcoal’s pores bind with rough parts on teeth, making it easier to remove yellowing substances. After the activated charcoal is applied, it can remove plaque, food particles and stains once rinsed and washed out. Since activated charcoal is highly absorbent, it can bind to surface-staining culprits, such as coffee or wine.
However, be aware that it does not change the color of your teeth that are naturally yellowing or stained. Using activated charcoal will also make your mouth temporarily look extremely black and can stain bathroom surfaces.
Is Activated Charcoal Safe to Ingest?
As far as safety goes, activated charcoal is completely safe to ingest. However, the substance and texture can be gritty enough to damage tooth enamel. This means that you need to avoid scrubbing it onto your teeth and gums. Do not use this method if you have any open wounds or cuts in your mouth.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Your Tacoma Family Dentist
While activated charcoal may be a popular trend among the health and beauty industry, we have not seen the full effect of long term exposure. Continual use could severely damage teeth enamel. We believe the best way to whiten your teeth is to trust an experienced dental professional. For a whiter, brighter and healthier smile, schedule an appointment at Tacoma’s Plancich Dental.
Professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective method. When done properly by a dentist, teeth whitening can last as long as five years. Contact us our office if you have any questions regarding teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry procedures.