Chances are you’ve seen pictures on the internet of people ‘whitening’ their teeth with activated charcoal – or smearing something black as night on their pearly whites in order to make them…whiter? While this may seem like just another crazy trend or hoax, the truth of the matter is that it works. According to dental experts, brushing your teeth with activated charcoal is a natural way to get rid of unsightly surface stains caused by wine, coffee, tea, and other environmental factors. This is a safe alternative to many other teeth whitening options out there, you just have to be willing to believe! As anyone who has ever tried it can attest to, activated charcoal can begin to whiten your teeth after just one use.
Whether you are looking for a natural alternative to other teeth whitening options that contain chemicals and/or fluoride, or you are just curious what the fuss is all about, it may be time to join the masses and try out activated charcoal for yourself. This is an affordable option that you can do in the comfort of your home, so you won’t have to worry about scaring anyone with a mouth full of black paste!
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is popular in the natural world because of its many great uses and benefits. It is a purifying agent, which means it absorbs impurities in the body (such as stains on the teeth!) While this isn’t the same stuff you use to fire up your grill in the summer, it is a close relative. In addition to whitening your teeth, activated charcoal is used to treat intestinal gas, cholestasis during pregnancy, and lower cholesterol levels. While the color may seem intimidating, it is odorless, tasteless, and can be purchased online (try Amazon) or at your local health food store.
How Does it Work to Whiten the Teeth?
When mixed with a bit of water and slathered onto the teeth, activated charcoal binds to the rough areas on your teeth, most commonly surface stains and plaque. This is important because it is then able to remove any yellowing substances. If left on the teeth long enough, once removed the charcoal will take any plaque, food particles, and surface stains along with it. The binding properties of activated charcoal are the reason for this – and why it is such a miracle worker when it comes to getting rid of pesky stains. Please keep in mind: even though activated charcoal works to get rid of stains and latches onto the teeth, it will not change the color of teeth that are deeply stained or naturally tinted. You will need to look into professional whitening services for this, such as those offered at our dental clinic.
As your go-to Irving dentist, we strive to provide you with all the information you need to stay on top of your oral health. When in-between visits, we encourage you to try out activated charcoal for yourself and let us know how it works for you. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our Irving teeth whitening options, please contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today.
