A bright and attractive smile is a timeless accessory that everyone wants. Therefore, it makes sense that many “hacks” have arisen that claim to remove dental stains and produce brighter, whiter enamel. Some of those ideas, such as thorough toothbrushing, are safe and moderately effective. Others, though, deserve closer scrutiny. For example, some beauty influencers are advocating for the use of activated charcoal as a teeth whitening method. Is it safe? How does it work? This blog post provides some important information.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a porous powder that is the result of superheating certain natural items, such as coconut shells, olive pits, coal, and slowly burned wood. It has some detoxifying properties, so it is sometimes used in hospital emergency rooms to treat patients who have been exposed to some types of poisonous substances.

In recent times, activated charcoal has found its way into mainstream usage. It is even a popular teeth whitening product!

Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

Some individuals use commercially produced toothpastes that have activated charcoal as a key ingredient. Others buy activated charcoal on its own and create a do-it-yourself concoction that they then apply to their teeth. The people who use activated charcoal often swear by it!

The truth is that, yes, activated charcoal can be effective at whitening teeth. However, there are some major caveats that you should bear in mind.

Activated Charcoal May Not Be Safe for Teeth

Products with activated charcoal in them may put your oral health at risk in a few ways:

• Abrasiveness. On their own, activated charcoal and charcoal-containing pastes can be very abrasive. Over time, they could damage your enamel and ultimately end up causing it to look more yellow than when you started using charcoal products.
• Lack of fluoride. Some activated charcoal toothpastes are not overly abrasive. However, they might not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Most dentists strongly recommend its use.
• Lack of scientific backing. Scientists have not yet conducted detailed research to find out whether activated charcoal is truly safe for teeth whitening.

Talk to Your Dentist About Safe, Reliable Teeth Whitening

Your oral health plays a great role in both your daily life and your long-term health. It would be unwise to take unnecessary risks with it. If you are bothered by stains on your teeth, the safest thing you can do is consult with your dentist. Professional whitening treatments are both effective and safe when used appropriately. You could see dramatic results in a very short period of time!

Your dentist can also provide personalized tips for keeping your smile white at home. For example, they can advise you on oral hygiene and dietary choices.

Activated charcoal might be able to brighten your smile, but it is too risky! Instead, stick to professional, proven whitening products.

Meet the Practice

At Abington Family Dental Care, we want our patients to love their smiles. That is why we are proud to offer both in-office and take-home professional whitening options. If you are ready to get rid of troublesome dental stains, we would love to welcome you for a cosmetic consultation. Contact our friendly team at 781-780-2658.