If you follow DIY oral care, maybe you’ve heard of activated charcoal. Many hype it up as a great way to brighten your smile. That said, you likely have a question: Is the charcoal safe for teeth whitening? You wouldn’t want a product that puts your grin at risk. Well, your Metairie dentist can address your concerns. Read on to learn about activated charcoal, why it isn’t safe for teeth, and why to see a dentist for whitening instead.
Wait, What’s Activated Charcoal?
Thanks to the rise of social media, some people now promote “DIY” teeth whiteners online. One of these hyped products is activated charcoal.
In fact, activated charcoal isn’t the sort used for grills and barbeques. It’s a black powder made from slowly burned wood, coconut shells, olive pits, etc. This material is highly adsorbent and binds to toxins and odors. As a result, many brands use it in facial masks and shampoos.
More recently, DIY fans have claimed that activated charcoal can whiten teeth. Some companies thus use it in toothpaste and whitening kits. The idea is that such charcoal-based products will remove your smile’s tooth stains.
Activated Charcoal & Its Risks
To be honest, there’s no good evidence that activated charcoal helps teeth. Rather, research suggests that it’s very harmful to oral health.
Firstly, activated charcoal usually won’t whiten teeth. It’ll only make your smile look dirty and weak. Thus, charcoal products aren’t eligible for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The claimed benefits of these items don’t have enough data to back them up.
Worse yet, activated charcoal can harm your chompers. It has an abrasive texture that wears down your smile’s tooth enamel. Using it would put your teeth at high risk of decay and sensitivity.
See a Dentist for Whitening Instead
If you want a whiter smile, don’t opt for activated charcoal. It’s a much better idea to see a dentist for teeth whitening.
You see, a dentist’s teeth whitening is sure to work. Scientists and other experts have verified their approach. Whether you get an at-home kit or in-office treatment, you can trust that your smile will turn six to eight shades brighter.
Whitening treatment from a dentist is also safe for your grin. The ADA-approved bleaching gel it uses won’t harm your enamel. At the very most, the whitener will only cause mild and temporary tooth sensitivity.
So, “Is charcoal safe for teeth whitening?” The answer is no – it’ll only damage your mouth. Talk to your dentist if you truly want to make your grin shine.
About the Practice
Nelson Dental Care is based in Metairie, LA. As led by Dr. James Nelson, our practice seeks to give each patient the best possible dental care. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dentistry. That means we also provide stellar teeth whitening that brightens your smile! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (504)-887-3311.