Activated charcoal seems to be everywhere at the moment, and people are touting its effectiveness in everything from face wash to grout cleaner. One use for this ingredient that you may not have heard of is as a teeth whitener.
So, how about it? Does this ingredient work? And is it good for your teeth?
Active Charcoal Is an Effective Teeth Whitener
Let’s get right to it. Active charcoal can make your teeth appear whiter and your smile brighter. Many people claim that it’s more effective than other over-the-counter solutions, and others appreciate that it does not cause the tooth sensitivity that can result from using peroxide-based products.
It works as a teeth whitener because activated charcoal is so absorbent. In fact, hospitals keep the stuff on hand for when people come in with certain types of poisoning or overdoses because it draws the bad “stuff” away and out of the body.
This works the same way for our teeth. The charcoal absorbs food particles, stains, and other things that may be on the surface of your teeth.
How to Use Activated Charcoal as a Whitener
Using activated charcoal looks a little strange. Once every day before brushing your teeth, you apply some of the product onto your toothbrush and use it to brush your teeth, much like you would do with toothpaste. This makes your whole mouth black. After doing this for 1-2 minutes, you spit the product out into the sink and proceed with your brushing and flossing routine as normal.
Some of the drawbacks of whitening your teeth this way is that it does take a bit of commitment. You have to do it every day. If you don’t, the results will quickly go away. It is also a bit of a messy process. The charcoal has a tendency to go everywhere if you’re not careful.
Some Precautions to Consider
If you choose to whiten your teeth this way, understand that you do so at your own risk. These products have not been approved by the American Dental Association, and the long-term effects of consistently exposing your teeth and your enamel to an ingredient that is that absorbent is not known.
A more proven and safe method is to use the teeth whitening services offered by a dental professional. These methods are quick and effective and give results that are beautiful and that last.
