Are you currently researching options for teeth whitening? If so, you’ve likely heard more than a few people claim that they were able to brighten their smiles with activated charcoal. This fine-grained black powder can be added to toothpastes and other dental products, with the manufacturers claiming that it can help remove all kinds of enamel stains. But is this do-it-yourself option really safe for your smile? Here’s what you need to know before you try using activated charcoal for teeth whitening.
How is Charcoal Whitening Supposed to Work?
Activated charcoal is a highly porous substance. This makes it very adsorbent, which means that the molecules of certain substances adhere to it. Since activated charcoal can adsorb toxins, it is often used to treat poisoning and drug overdoses.
So how can activated charcoal whiten teeth? In theory, when used in toothpaste, it can help remove the molecules that make up surface stains, thus resulting in brighter-looking enamel.
Is Charcoal Whitening Safe and Effective?
Despite its popularity, activated charcoal is not currently approved by the American Dental Association as a teeth whitening option. This is because there is an insufficient amount of laboratory or clinical data supporting the idea that charcoal-based dental products can whiten teeth.
In fact, there’s reason to think that activated charcoal could actually cause problems for your smile. The substance is very abrasive, which means that it has the potential to wear down your enamel. Not only can this make your teeth more sensitive than normal, but it can actually make them look yellower than before (which is the result of the dentin layer beneath the enamel becoming more visible).
What’s a Safer Way to Whiten Teeth?
If you’re looking for a truly safe and reliable way to say goodbye to dental stains, you should talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening options. Many dental practices offer in-office whitening treatments that can significantly brighten your smile in about an hour. Alternatively, some dentists provide take-home whitening kits that can yield dazzling results in just a couple of weeks.
One of the big advantages of professional whitening options is that they utilize powerful bleaching gels that have been clinically proven to be safe for teeth. On top of that, your dentist will be able to oversee the entire whitening process and take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that you remain safe and comfortable every step of the way.
In short, there’s no need to rely on unproven charcoal dental products when your dentist already offers trustworthy whitening methods. By going the professional route, you can make the brighter smile of your dreams a reality while also protecting your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Timothy D. Ganfield earned his dental degree at Temple University and completed his dedicated residency in general dentistry at Christina Care Hospital. His Newark dental office, White Clay Dental Associates, offers various types of cosmetic dentistry, including in-office teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits. If you’re bothered by stains on your teeth and are interested in pursuing professional whitening, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ganfield by visiting his website or calling (302) 731-4225.