Overview
Activated charcoal is
a fine-grained black powder made from a variety of natural substances, such as
coconut shells, olive pits, slowly burned wood, and peat.
The powder becomes
activated when oxidized under extreme heat. Activated charcoal is very porous
and highly adsorbent. It also has a wide surface area.
Unlike absorbent
substances, activated charcoal’s adsorbent nature allows it to bind to toxins
and odors, rather than soaking (absorbing) them up.
Activated charcoal shouldn’t
be confused with the charcoal you use for barbecuing.
Although similar,
barbecue charcoal is manufactured to be a fuel and emits carbon dioxide when
heated. It may have a carcinogenic effect on health. Activated charcoal, on the
other hand, doesn’t contain these types of toxins.
Activated charcoal’s
adsorbent nature has been referenced in medical literature for centuries. In
the early 1800s, activated charcoal started to gain prominence as a treatment
for accidental ingestion of poison.
Because it can stop
certain types of poison from being absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream,
it’s still used for this purpose today. It can also counteract drug
overdoses.
There’s some
scientific evidence, and lots of anecdotal information, about activated
charcoal’s other benefits and uses. These
include reducing underarm and flatulence odor .
You can find
activated charcoal in facial masks and shampoos. Because of its ability to bind
to toxins, some people believe activated charcoal can whiten teeth, too.
Before you start
brushing with this grainy black substance, here’s what you should know.
Charcoal teeth whitening
You can find an array
of dental products containing activated charcoal on store shelves, from
toothpastes to kits. Products containing this ingredient claim to remove coffee
stains, wine stains, and plaque.
But despite its
popularity, there’s no scientific evidence backing up activated charcoal’s
benefits for teeth.
Since there’s no data
behind the claims that activated charcoal is safe or effective, products
containing this ingredient aren’t eligible for the American Dental Association
(ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
According to the ADA, activated
charcoal’s abrasive texture might even harm rather than whiten teeth by wearing
down tooth enamel.
Despite this lack of
scientific evidence, some people still swear by activated charcoal’s ability to
eliminate tooth stains and whiten teeth.
Charcoal teeth whitening DIY
If you’d like to try
activated charcoal to whiten your teeth, you can purchase it as a powder or in
capsules that you open. Mix with water to make a paste. You can also try
sprinkling the charcoal onto your wet finger or toothbrush.
Keep in mind that
this technique may be hard to finesse. Activated charcoal can also stain
fabrics and countertops.
Precautions for using activated charcoal on teeth
It’s important to
protect your teeth by using products that won’t wear down enamel. Since overuse of activated charcoal products
can lead to teeth erosion, use them cautiously.
The ADA recommends
choosing toothpastes with a relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) level of 250 or
less. Try to choose activated charcoal toothpastes that meet that guideline.
If that isn’t
possible, use the product only for a short period of time. You can also
alternate it with a fluoride toothpaste.
To reduce
abrasiveness, try using your fingers to rub activated charcoal on your teeth
rather than applying it with a toothbrush.
Activated charcoal
products aren’t approved for teeth whitening by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. Moreover, these products may not be appropriate for use in
children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep in mind that
some activated charcoal products contain other ingredients, like sorbitol.
Sorbitol is an
artificial sweetener that can cause allergic reactions in
some people. It may also have a laxative effect if
too much is swallowed.
Before using
activated charcoal, consider checking in with your dentist to determine if it’s
the right choice for you.
Alternative at-home teeth whiteners
You can achieve a
bright smile in a variety of ways.
Take good care of
your teeth by brushing at least twice every day. Make sure to brush after
consuming drinks that commonly stain teeth, such as black coffee and red wine.
If you smoke cigarettes, you’ve
probably noticed that they stain your teeth. If you need another reason to
quit, add getting a brighter smile to your list.
There are many safe,
effective methods for naturally whitening teeth at home.
Try the following:
- Baking soda is
a natural whitening ingredient that can be found in many toothpastes. You
can also make a paste at home by combining it with water. Baking soda is
also a good breath freshener.
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide can
help whiten teeth over time. Try using it as a rinse before or after
brushing. Never use hydrogen peroxide at full strength, though, as it can
irritate gums.
- There are many brands of over-the-counter whitening
strips, gels, and toothpastes. Many have the ADA Seal of
Acceptance. These products range in price and effectiveness. Read reviews
before buying so you have an idea of what to expect.
Activated charcoal
has some proven uses, but teeth whitening isn’t one of them. Instead, look for
products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
If you do decide to
try activated charcoal to whiten your teeth, use it only in moderation.
Activated charcoal is abrasive and shouldn’t be used long term, as it can erode
tooth enamel.
Talk to your dentist
to see if this treatment is safe for you to try. They can also discuss other
alternatives for you.
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