There has been a recent trend on social media of people whitening their teeth using activated charcoal. If you have ever wondered if you can really whiten your teeth this way, what the heck the process might entail, or whether or not it really works, then you have come to the right place. Read on to find out everything you need to know about teeth whitening and activated charcoal.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is very similar to the regular charcoal you can fire up your barbeque with, however it is specifically used for medical applications. It’s created by heating up charcoal using a gas that creates large pores in the mineral which trap chemicals. Activated charcoal is more traditionally used to treat intestinal gas, cholestasis during pregnancy, and lower cholesterol levels. It is odourless, tasteless, and can be purchased from health food stores and pharmacies in the form of tablets.
How does it work?
The activated charcoal’s pores bind with rough parts on teeth, usually surface stains and plaque, making it easier to remove the yellowing substances. Once the charcoal has been given enough time to stick to your teeth, it can be removed and when it is, the mineral takes the plaque, food particles, and surface stains with it. This is how the activated charcoal succeeds in whitening teeth – by getting rid of surface stains in one fell swoop. However, because it latches onto grittiness found on the teeth, activated charcoal does not change the colour of teeth that are deeply stained or naturally yellowing. For this, more drastic whitening measures need to be taken such as professional bleaching.
Is it safe?
Activated charcoal is safe to ingest, however the abrasiveness of the mineral can damage the enamel of your teeth if it’s scrubbed against them. Be very careful to only lightly graze teeth when applying the activated charcoal to them so not scratching, chipping, or other damage occurs. Do not perform this procedure if you have any open wounds, cuts, or abrasions.
Always consult your dentist before trying a procedure like this as you may not see the results you expect due to your specific situation. If you do not have a dentist, or are looking for a new dental practice, you can find your perfect match using 123Dentist’s database of the best dental practices in the lower mainland.
So, how do you do it?
The first step in whitening your teeth with activated charcoal is to purchase the mineral from your local health food store or pharmacy. Generally, the mineral is sold in tablet form so the next step is to grind up 1-2 tablets, which is about 1-2 teaspoons worth, in a container. Once the charcoal is a fine dust, add just enough water to form a paste. The next step is to apply the paste directly onto your teeth, which do not necessarily have to be clean, making sure to only dab or tap the mixture onto teeth, rather than rubbing it on, to avoid damaging your teeth. Leave the activated charcoal paste on your teeth for three minutes to ensure that it has had enough time to bind with surface stains on your teeth, then thoroughly rinse your mouth out several times before brushing your teeth clean.
