Charcoal teeth whitening is a popular trend in dental health. Many claim it can whiten teeth, fight cavities, and freshen breath.
With so many claimed benefits, it's no surprise that more brands are jumping on the bandwagon and adding charcoal to their products. However, there are still skeptics who dismiss charcoal as just another fad.
Are the claims valid, or is activated charcoal just another marketing gimmick? If true, how does charcoal whiten your teeth, is it safe, and are there other benefits?
In this article, we explore all these questions and more. You'll also discover some of the best ways to use charcoal in your dental health routine.
Age, what we eat and drink, lifestyle choices, and how well we look after our teeth can cause discoloring. Knowing the causes is a good step towards fixing the issue. Here are a few of the ways teeth can develop discolorations.
Extrinsic Stains: Extrinsic tooth stains occur on the surface enamel or outside the tooth. Food and beverages cause these stains as the enamel absorbs their pigments over time. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, cola drinks, dark berries, and tomato-based sauces. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco, and some medications can also contribute to extrinsic stains.
Age-Related Stains: As we age, the outer layer of enamel naturally thins to reveal the yellowish dentin underneath. Dentin also naturally yellows over time. Age-related stains combine intrinsic and extrinsic causes, making them more noticeable.
Other Factors: Poor oral hygiene, certain diseases, medications, and injuries may contribute to tooth discoloration. For example, inadequate brushing and flossing causes staining from food particles and plaque buildup. Some illnesses and treatments, like chemotherapy, will discolor teeth, and certain medications can also cause stains.
Activated charcoal powder for teeth whitening is not just any old charcoal. The fine black powder made for oral use is chemically treated to improve results while ensuring safety.
The refined, abrasive grains of activated charcoal help wear off stains on the teeth, similar to the action of baking soda. The charcoal gradually lifts stains to give you a brighter, whiter smile.
Charcoal has absorption properties that attract and bind food particles, bacteria, and toxins on the surface of the teeth. These properties help remove surface stains and improve oral health by giving you fresher breath.
Manufacturers make activated charcoal by burning coconut shells, sugar, bones, peat, and coal. The resulting charcoal is heated to high temperatures and ground into a fine black powder, giving it exceptional porosity and binding abilities.
Many people have reported excellent results from charcoal. However, more research about its stain-absorbing properties is needed. While many studies have revealed benefits, consulting with your dentist before changing your oral routine is recommended.
Keep in mind that overuse may be harmful. For example, some reports indicate that overuse of charcoal can erode the protective enamel on your teeth.
Charcoal's teeth-whitening properties lure most people into trying it, but what are the other benefits of using charcoal for teeth whitening?
It's More Cost-Effective Than the Dentist: Activated charcoal is much cheaper than other whitening treatments. Professional dental services are expensive and might be overkill for most people just looking for a brighter smile.
Activated charcoal may Freshen Breath: Many people swear by charcoal's ability to reduce or eliminate bad breath (chronic halitosis). The way it works is to absorb and reduce the abundance of odor-causing bacteria. The fewer these germs, the fresher your breath will smell.
Activated Charcoal Polishes Your Teeth: The abrasive properties of charcoal can help smooth out your teeth to give you a brighter smile. Smoother teeth have less surface area for bacteria to cling to, reducing the risk of gum disease.
So, activated charcoal does not just make your teeth whiter; it gives you fresher breath while saving you money.
There's a right way and a wrong way to use charcoal for oral care. If you choose to give it a go, here's what we recommend:
1. Wet your toothbrush: Start with a wet toothbrush to help the powder stick to the bristles.
2. Apply charcoal powder: You only need a small amount.
3. Brush gently: Use gentle, circular motions for about two minutes. Pay attention to all surfaces, including front, back, and chewing surfaces. Remember the gumline.
4. Rinse thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the charcoal.
5. Clean your toothbrush: Rinse your toothbrush to remove all residue.
6. Follow up with regular toothpaste: You will still need to follow up with regular brushing using an ADA approved toothpaste. Doing this ensures you receive adequate fluoride to strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay.
7. Always follow directions: The above is a general guideline for using charcoal. Always follow the directions on the pack to be safe.
The debate around the effectiveness and safety of charcoal teeth whitening is ongoing. For every person claiming a positive result, there's one that says they didn't notice any change. You should always consider the available evidence and consult expert opinions, but how safe is activated charcoal? Should you try it for yourself?
Long-Term Effects on Enamel: Perhaps the most significant concern raised by the American Dental Association is the abrasion of protective enamel that exposes the dentin layer. Charcoal can remove surface stains, but overuse may make teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity. It may also erode fillings, crowns, and veneers. Always follow directions to ensure healthy teeth.
Professional Whitening Versus DIY Methods: Most dentists recommend a professional teeth whitening treatment using hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agent.
Unlike DIY methods, a trained dentist supervises these procedures to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Another method to whiten teeth is with teeth whitening strips that use a bleaching agent similar to what your dentist uses. These strips are gentle on teeth, easy to use, and could be a good alternative to expensive dental treatments.
Variations Between Individuals: Activated charcoal does not create predictable results between individuals. Everybody's teeth are different due to a wide range of variables. What works for one person with mild surface discoloration may not work for another with deeper stains. Life choices like tobacco and food and drink can cause deeper staining, as can some medications.
Teeth whitening strips are gentler on your teeth because they do not use abrasive action to remove stains.
The active component of the strips is hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which acts as an oxidizing agent on the molecules on your teeth that cause discoloration.
The plastic whitening strips gently press against your teeth for several minutes to half an hour. Over time, the enamel and dentin layers absorb the peroxide bleach, which breaks down the molecules responsible for the stains on your teeth.
With proper use, most people notice results in as little as a few days, but it will depend on the severity of your staining. Whitening strips won't work as fast as a trip to the dentist, but they are a lot more affordable and convenient.
Depending on your oral hygiene routine, tobacco use, and the food and drink you consume, results can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, once you achieve results, your smile will remain brighter and whiter for several months to a year. Remember, continued exposure to the staining agents will determine how often you need top-up treatments.
The decision to use charcoal teeth whitening products is yours alone. Always remember the potential side effects when deciding, with the understanding that charcoal may not be the best solution for you.
The abrasive nature of charcoal could lead to enamel damage or tooth sensitivity if overused. Teeth whitening strips are safer and gentler on your enamel when used as directed. Always consult with your dentist when changing your dental care routine to ensure you keep a healthy, natural smile for life.
