You’ve surely seen those videos all over social media by now, you know the ones: someone puts pitch-black powder on their teeth, brushes, and gets a whiter smile because of it. It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? As with all of those viral videos, it’s best to take them with a grain of salt. As they say, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening?
The kind of charcoal used for ostensible teeth whitening isn’t the same stuff you put in your barbecue for a summer cookout, but rather an “activated” relative that is created by exposing regular charcoal to very high temperatures. This process increases the surface area of the mineral and in theory, makes it able to remove stains, toxins, and impurities.
- Is There a Problem with Charcoal Teeth Whitening?
- What Is the Risk?
Although the idea behind using activated charcoal to remove surface stains on your teeth may have some basis, it’s best to be wary of these claims. A scientific literature review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that there was not enough evidence into the use of activated charcoal for teeth whitening to corroborate the effectiveness of the process for teeth whitening.
The American Dental Association compiled a Fact vs. Fiction article about natural teeth whitening, which directly calls out charcoal teeth whitening. The ADA also concludes there is no evidence that proves charcoal teeth whitening works or that it is safe to use.
Activated charcoal is abrasive and can scrub away the enamel on the surface of your teeth. When you’re looking for whiter teeth, what you are trying to whiten is actually the enamel. Enamel is a calcified layer that covers the dentin of the tooth. Scrubbing your teeth with harsh activated charcoal can actually cause the enamel to wear away, exposing dentin. Dentin is yellow and cannot be whitened so using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth may actually have the opposite effect.
Instead of trying various DIY methods to whiten your teeth, call our team at Hooks Family Dentistry! We’re happy to discuss safer, more proven methods of teeth whitening. We’ll work with you to find the solution that’s best for you and your smile.
Contact Us Today!