People want whiter teeth. That’s a fact that’s hard to dispute! Tarnished pearly whites can make folks feel self-conscious in front of a camera, and who wouldn’t want a gleaming smile? It’s only natural that dreamers would seek out convenient whitening solutions they can use at home, like activated charcoal.
But is this “miracle stain remover” really all it’s cracked up to be? Well, research points towards “no”. Here’s why you might not want to use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Picture a dark grey substance that’s grainy, like a finely chopped powder. That’s activated charcoal, and it will make a mess of your countertops if you’re not careful! Though no one would rate it very highly as a cleaner, the medical field has found a use for its absorptive quality. In specific cases, activated charcoal can be used to detox drug overdoses (though not as fuel for your backyard grill).
Researchers Conclude: Results Are Lacking
Given activated charcoal’s rising popularity, you may have correctly guessed that there’s already plenty of research on it’s use as a dental stain remover. Unfortunately, that research hasn’t found any evidence that it effectively whitens teeth. At most, it can technically eliminate some surface staining by wearing down your enamel. But this puts you at a greater risk for conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth sensitivity!
The FDA’s and ADA’s Response
Because of these research findings (or lack thereof), neither the FDA nor ADA (American Dental Association) approves of activated charcoal as a teeth whitener. In contrast, these two authorities do approve of your dentist’s professional grade ingredients. Substances like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide have been used in dentistry for years, and consistently produce noticeably whiter teeth.
How Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
At your dentist’s! They have the safest methods available and can brighten your smile by up to ten shades. Most dental offices offer two types of treatment: take-home whitening, which allows you to perfect your teeth in the comfort of your own home; and in-office whitening, which your dentist can skillfully complete in as little time as one hour.
Your smile is important, so it’s crucial for you to choose a teeth whitening solution that you can be comfortable with. Activated charcoal might not be the best for your oral health and is probably best left on your grocery store’s shelf. However, your dentist would be more than happy to consult with you about options for removing stubborn dental stains. If a tarnished set of teeth is weighing on your mind, give them a call before resorting to “trendy” dental bleaching methods.
About the Dentist
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In other words, he’s fully qualified to whiten your teeth! Thanks to his impressive array of experiences and patient-centered approach, you can trust Dr. Cohen to provide excellent results. To contact his office, call 904-230-2961.