New trends ebb and flow when it comes to cosmetics, and teeth whitening is no different. One of the popular things lately is the use of activated charcoal to whiten teeth. When you think of charcoal, you probably most closely associate it with fuel, which poses an important question: is it safe to use in your mouth? Keep reading to learn what your Dallas dentist has to say about utilizing activated charcoal as a method for teeth whitening.
Activated Charcoal and Teeth Whitening: How Safe Is It?
First of all, it’s important to clear up the fact that the activated charcoal you would use on your teeth is completely different than what you’d grab from the store for a weekend barbeque. Unlike charcoal that is manufactured for fuel and emits carbon dioxide when it becomes hot, activated charcoal not only is devoid of toxins but has been proven to actually absorb them. This is one of the main reasons why it has become a popular whitening method.
Although it might sound like a cool trend to jump on, there are several reasons why you might want to think twice before you invest in the product.
The Downsides of Activated Charcoal
Like many “nature-friendly” trends, it only takes one notable person to claim something has made a huge difference for them before everyone else jumps on board. However, here are a couple of reasons why activated charcoal might not be the best teeth whitening method for you:
There’s No Scientific Proof That It Works
To date, there has been no hard scientific evidence that the use of activated charcoal actually whitens teeth or has long-term positive effects. It has also not been proven to promote oral health in any way whatsoever.
The Abrasiveness Can Do More Harm Than Good
Much like a skin exfoliating product, activated charcoal is an abrasive substance. Many people claim that this can help to remove plaque build-up from the teeth, however, that’s not the only thing it can scrub off. Your tooth enamel is strong, but over time, continued scrubbing with rough matter can begin to erode the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay.
The ADA Hasn’t Signed Off on It
Any time a new dental product hits the market, the American Dental Association (ADA) decides whether or not to give it their seal of acceptance. This gives buyers of the product the confidence that it has undergone thorough testing by professional scientists who have signed off saying it is safe and effective to use. With activated charcoal, this is not the case.
If you’re wanting a whiter smile, the safest and most effective treatment is always professional whitening with your dentist. They use state-of-the-art equipment that is safe and will produce long-lasting results. Before you go and spend money on another product that may or may not work for you, talk to your dentist about how they can help you brighten your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel is committed to providing all of his patients with honest, ethical, and effective care. He loves being able to give them the gift of a brighter smile through teeth whitening. He sees dental care as an art, and he is passionate about furthering his knowledge through continuing education. Are you ready to have the smile of your dreams? Schedule a consultation to talk about professional whitening online or call (972) 818-5649.