There are a number of natural teeth whitening methods but the activated charcoal stands out. Your initial reaction can be… What? Believe it or not activated charcoal has been in use for teeth whitening for ages in many parts of the world. Now even dentists are recommending it.Just because its use for teeth whitening is increasing, it doesn't mean that you should also use it too? Your skeptical mind may want some clarifications. Both activated charcoal powder and toothpastes are available. You can choose any method for teeth whitening.
Let us first understand how activated charcoal helps in tooth whitening. Once that becomes clear your mind will be ready to accept it as a viable option for teeth whitening.
How does Activated Charcoal Help In Teeth Whitening?
The pores bind these molecules. This binding gets removed from the body once the charcoal is removed
This principle has been applied to remove food poisoning since ancient times. Latest studies also confirm activated charcoal capabilities of trapping poison. That is why it is widely used in trauma centers around the world to treat food poisoning and prescription drug overdose.
The same principle of adsorption is applicable to stains and plaque on the teeth . Activated charcoal will bind these impurities and bacteria and remove it from teeth when charcoal is washed out.
How to Use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Tooth
Using activated charcoal on your teeth can be really messy and embarrassing. Your mouth looks black and unattractive. This temporary odd look is all good if it finally whitens and brightens your teeth.
It really does!
You can use one if the following 3 ways to apply activated charcoal on your teeth
- Dip a wet toothbrush in activated charcoal and gently brush your teeth
- Add some water to activated charcoal powder to make a thick paste and gently rub it on your teeth and gums.
- Mix equal quantities of any basic toothpaste and charcoal to brush your teeth.
Rinse your mouth after 2-3 minutes of gentle brushing of your teeth.
The charcoal will bind the impurities and stains. Gradually over a period of week or so you will see marked differences in teeth whitening.
Tips and Precautions on Charcoal Teeth Whitening
There are lots of myths about activated charcoal and its use in teeth whitening. Since there is not much research on this topic, it is important that you check with your dentist. Following are some questions that may arise in your mind before using activated charcoal for teeth whitening.
- Does it stain the crown and other fillings? - It may not but it can be abrasive.
- Is charcoal too abrasive for teeth enamel ? - Yes it can be. Use it gently. The whole purpose is to bind bacteria in the gums and teeth to the activated charcoal. So that it is washed away when you wash your mouth.
- Does charcoal leave black stains in the mouth? - No it doesn't.Can it remove stains from teeth? - Yes, it can remove some stains caused by tea, colas and coffee due to its molecule binding capabilities.
- Does it remove calcium from the teeth? - No it doesn't. In fact activated charcoal can't bind minerals, so no question of it removing calcium from your teeth.
Reaffirm clarifications on all your doubts from your doctor before using activated charcoal for teeth whitening.
Whether you use it on your teeth or not you should keep activated charcoal in your kitchen. It is very useful in case of food poisoning.