Charcoal has shown up on social media platforms and in the oral health care aisle of your local stores. Charcoal or activated charcoal promises to do all sorts of things for your teeth, making them brighter and whiter.
But are the DIY whitening claims accurate? Will using charcoal give you the smile of your dreams? Well, while it has been used for centuries for various things - including being used as a toothpaste - there are no scientific studies that have found that charcoal actually whitens teeth.
What Is Charcoal and How Does it Work?
While you don’t want to pull the charcoal briquettes from your grill and place them on your teeth, there are types that are designed for medical use. For instance, activated charcoal is found in things like toothpaste and mouthwash. It is a black powder made from things like olive pits, coconut shells, peat, and more. When it is heated at very high temperatures, it becomes oxidized. In turn, it becomes porous and absorbent.
So why is it used in health and beauty products? The idea is that it absorbs dirt, toxins, and impurities. With toothpaste, the claims are that it can remove stains, discolorations, and plaque from the teeth by absorbing it.
The results you get from using charcoal, they say, will appear in a matter of days.
Does Charcoal Whiten Teeth?
Unfortunately, there is no proof that charcoal whitens teeth - or that it absorbs plaque and stains. The use of charcoal toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products doesn’t seem to have much effect on the color of your teeth.
What’s worse, charcoal may actually pose risks to those who use it. It may wear down the tooth’s enamel over time. This can cause tooth sensitivity and, if left to progress, tooth decay. If you are looking for a brighter, healthier smile, charcoal is definitely not the way to go about achieving it.
It is worth noting that the American Dental Association has even stated it will not award its seal of acceptance to products that have charcoal in them. This should definitely be an eye-opener.
Safer, More Effective Teeth Whitening
If you are seeking a whiter smile, then it is time to reach out to your dentist. This is where you will encounter professional teeth whitening capable of giving you the results you are looking for.
Most dentists offer cosmetic dental treatments involving at-home and in-office professional teeth whitening treatments. When you choose this method of changing your smile, you will have the opportunity to whiten your teeth shades lighter - and fast.
In the office, this transformation can take place in about an hour. At-home professional treatments take a little bit longer but can produce similar results.
With this safer, more effective method of teeth whitening, you will benefit with:
- An enhanced smile
- Discolorations/stains removed
- Better oral health
- Even whitening
- Fast results
And, of course, a boost in confidence.
It’s safe to say that charcoal is no match compared to the power of professional teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening at Belmont Family Dentistry
At Belmont Family Dentistry, we provide our patients with nothing short of the best professional teeth whitening treatments, including Opalescence and Zoom teeth whitening. So, let go of the charcoal and whiten your teeth effectively and safely under the care of our experts.
Contact us today at 617-484-1760 to learn more or schedule an appointment. Or, request an appointment online.