There has been a recent trend on social media of people whitening their teeth using activated charcoal. So, does it actually work and is it safe to use on teeth?!
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is comparable to that of regular charcoal, however it differs in how it is treated, creating an odourless, tasteless tablet. You can find activated charcoal at health food stores and pharmacies to help treat intestinal gas.
How does it work?
When activated charcoal is placed on the tooth structure, it adheres itself to any surface stain, plaque and or food particles, removing all when rinsed off. Activated charcoal works well to remove surface stain, however if you have teeth that are deeply stained, more drastic whitening measures would need to be used.
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 when applying activated charcoal that you gently apply and remove the charcoal as to not cause damage to your tooth structure.
So, how do you use it?
Activated charcoal is typically sold in tablet form which you will first grind up and add about 1-2 teaspoons worth, in a container. Once you have a fine dust, add just enough water to form a paste. To avoid damaging your teeth, only dab the paste onto your teeth rather than rubbing it on. 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.
If you have any questions and or concerns, always feel free to give us a shout!
