Roughly 80% of Americans wish they could have a whiter smile. For this reason, you’ll likely find numerous products that claim to effectively brighten your teeth. One of the most advertised trends is using activated charcoal for teeth whitening. But is this product safe for your pearly whites? Read on to learn what this ingredient is, the potential risks it has on your dental health, and why it’s best to seek professional whitening treatment!
What Is Activated Charcoal?
You may have seen or heard about this ingredient from the most popular social media platforms. Aside from the product used for barbequing, activated charcoal is a fine black powder consisting of various natural components, such as slowly burnt wood and coconut shells. It has an absorbent quality that’s been implemented by medical experts for centuries, as it can address ingested poison and neutralize drug overdoses. Since it can bind to toxins, many people started believing it can be used for teeth whitening purposes. However, you may want to consider several factors before incorporating it into your dental hygiene.
The Negative Impacts of Charcoal on Teeth Whitening
While activated charcoal has benefits in limiting toxins, there isn’t any scientific proof that it can effectively brighten your smile. Not only are these products not eligible for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, but they’re also highly abrasive. This means the fine black powder can wear down your teeth and cause enamel erosion, increasing your risk of further dental damage later on.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Your dentist will want to help improve your pearly whites while also preserving your dental health. For this reason, they can offer at-home teeth whitening kits so that you can brighten your smile at your convenience. With their help, they can remove stubborn stains and discoloration by using professional-grade bleaching agents that are effective and safe for your teeth. You’ll apply the solution by wearing custom-made trays each day for two weeks. Afterward, you can enjoy a perfectly whitened and healthy smile for many months to come!
Although activated charcoal may sound appealing and convenient, it’s best to speak with your dentist first. That way, you can boost the color of your pearly whites by several shades while keeping them safe in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Patrick Pirkle is a member of the American and Florida Dental Associations. He graduated from the Nova Southeastern University Dental School and regularly seeks advanced training to expand his expertise. He provides a wide variety of comprehensive treatments, including at-home teeth whitening to brighten your teeth. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, feel free to visit our website or call us at 772-388-0088.