Everyone wants a bright and attractive smile! You might have heard of all sorts of hacks to remove dental stains. Some of those ideas, such as regular toothbrushing, are safe and somewhat effective. Others, though, are more questionable. For example, activated charcoal is one of the latest trends among beauty influencers. Is it safe for teeth whitening? This blog post contains some important information that you should keep in mind.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a porous black powder that is made by superheating natural items, such as coal, coconut shells, olive pits, and slowly burned wood. It has certain detoxifying properties, which is why it is sometimes used in emergency rooms to help patients who have been poisoned by certain substances.
In recent years, it has found its way into mainstream usage.
Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
Some people use pre-made toothpastes that contain activated charcoal with the goal of whitening their teeth. Others purchase activated charcoal and make it into a do-it-yourself paste that they then apply to their teeth. You will find many individuals who advocate for activated charcoal as a means for removing dental stains. They might swear by it!
Yes, activated charcoal might be able to whiten teeth. However, there are some serious caveats that you should keep in mind.
Activated Charcoal May Not Be Safe for Teeth
Activated charcoal products may pose some serious risks for your dental health:
- Abrasiveness. On its own, activated charcoal and charcoal pastes can be quite abrasive. Over time, they could roughen the tooth enamel and even cause it to become dangerously thin. Ultimately, your teeth could end up looking more yellow due to enamel loss.
- Lack of fluoride. Some activated charcoal toothpastes are not dangerously abrasive. However, they might not contain fluoride. Fluoride is an important mineral for strengthening the teeth and reducing the risk of cavities.
- Lack of scientific backing. There is little to no reliable scientific evidence to support activated charcoal as a safe or effective means for supporting dental health or whitening teeth.
Talk to Your Dentist About Safe, Reliable Teeth Whitening
Your oral health is precious, so it would be wise not to take any unnecessary risks with it. If you want to get rid of dental stains, the safest thing to do is talk to your dentist. Professional at-home whitening treatments are generally very safe and effective. With proper use, you could see dramatic results in just a couple of weeks!
Your dentist can also provide additional tips for maintaining a bright and confident smile. For example, they can give you advice on your oral hygiene routine and provide dietary guidance.
Activated charcoal might brighten your teeth, but it comes with some big risks! It would be best to stick to professional whitening products instead.
Meet the Practice
At Torrington Dental Care, we are proud to offer multiple cosmetic services, including professional at-home whitening kits, which are both safe and effective. If you are concerned about dental stains, we would be happy to talk to you about your options for brightening your smile. Contact our office at 860-259-4073.