Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Safe?

Activated charcoal is made from a variety of naturally occurring substances, like olive pits, burned wood, and coconut shells. The fine black powder is highly absorbent because it is very porous. This allows it to bind with odors and toxins, which is why it has been used for generations to treat many ailments, including tooth discoloration. Charcoal toothpaste is a popular trend to reverse stains and discoloration. Despite the notable improvement, it can cause long-term damage to your smile. Here is how you can skip the risk and get your pearly whites their brightest using a safe, effective solution.

Risks of Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Charcoal has been used as a natural remedy to reverse stains for decades, but its popularity has grown in recent years. While it may get your teeth whiter, it can damage them in the process. 

Charcoal toothpaste is abrasive, which means it will wear away your enamel over time. Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it isn’t indestructible. Once it is gone, it’s gone for good, putting you at risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. 

Not to mention, not all stains are the same. Some discoloration is caused by enamel loss, which makes your yellowish dentin visible. Brushing with charcoal will make your enamel thinner, resulting in worsening discoloration and irreversible damage to your teeth.

Options to Reverse Tooth Discoloration

If you want a whiter smile, don’t turn to risky at-home solutions or DIY remedies. Instead, invest in safe, proven results by visiting your cosmetic dentist. They’ll examine your mouth to ensure you’re a candidate and recommend the best solution for you, like:

• In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter during your lunch break. After applying a protective barrier to your soft tissues, your dentist will place the whitening agent on your teeth and activate it using a special dental light for three 15-minute intervals.
• At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can achieve in-office results from your home. Your dentist will give you everything you need to whiten your teeth gradually for 2 weeks.

Enjoy Long-Lasting Results

Your results can last for many months or years with the correct aftercare routine, like brushing and flossing. Limit how often you eat or drink anything that may stain your enamel, like coffee, red wine, or berries. 

You can ensure your new smile doesn’t fade by visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They can also provide you with a touchup kit to preserve your investment.

About Dr. Arabella Christian

Dr. Christian earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland in Baltimore and has completed 3 years of additional training in endodontics. She regularly pursues continuing education to provide the most up-to-date services. Dr. Christian is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the Connecticut State Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call (860) 986-6476.