Activated charcoal for teeth Does it really whiten?

Are you thinking of having a much whiter smile, in a simple, easy way and without going to the dentist? We will tell you everything you need to know about activated charcoal for teeth.

If you have already thought of looking for or getting a cleaning with the help of activated charcoal, or any other kind of cream that has activated charcoal as its main ingredient.

ProDent wants to inform you that the reality is different and it is totally different, since activated charcoal will not help you achieve a much brighter and healthier smile.

In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about activated charcoal for teeth, and why it is a bad thing to use it in our mouth.

Activated charcoal is a kind of dark and porous compound, which can be found in several presentations for its use, either in tablets, toothpaste, powders or small strips for whitening.

We must remember that this material is used in multiple fields such as metal extraction, wastewater treatment, industrial activities and much more...

On the other hand, activated charcoal for teeth is an extra fine powder produced by superheating natural sources of charcoal, such as wood.

How good is activated charcoal for teeth?

At present, there is no scientific evidence to support that brushing teeth with activated charcoal is beneficial for our teeth and whitens them as promised.

In fact, the American Dental Association has repeatedly stated that our teeth can become much more yellowish in appearance if we make constant use of this product.

With the passage of time, teeth whitening with activated charcoal can produce considerable gum wear and tooth sensitivity in our mouth.

Therefore, we can openly deduce that activated charcoal is not the best option if we are looking to whiten our teeth, as you already know it is best to go to the dentist.

Why do teeth take on this yellowish color?

It is normal that with the passage of time our teeth become more yellow, this is because the enamel wears away and the dentin becomes much more visible.

Undoubtedly this is a completely normal process to which we are all exposed, although it is very true that there are factors that also tend to accelerate this process:

  • Regular consumption of coffee or tea

  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars or e-cigarettes

  • Eating processed or highly acidic foods

  • Taking certain kinds of antibiotics

  • Genetic conditions, among other factors...

Is activated charcoal toothpaste safe for teeth?

Much more research is needed on the long-term effects of toothpaste on activated charcoal for teeth.

For this reason, dentists are advised to counsel their patients to use this kind of activated charcoal toothpaste because of its unproven advantages.

Generally, carbon toothpastes do not contain fluoride. Fluoride helps keep tooth enamel strong, actively helping to protect teeth from decay.

There is very clear evidence that activated charcoal for teeth is an active contributor to the increase in tooth decay.

It can also cause staining and in some teeth it is much more evident, the carbon particles could accumulate in the crevices of our older teeth.

The effect of activated charcoal on dental restorations is unknown, to date it is not known exactly how activated charcoal affects the materials used to make them:

  • Plates

  • Bridges

  • Crowns

  • Bridges

  • White fillings, etc...

Carbon particles may accumulate in large quantities on them, leaving a black or gray outline.

What is the opinion of the dentists at ProDent about whitening teeth with activated charcoal?

At ProDent Dental Clinic in Tijuana we do not recommend any of our patients to use activated charcoal as a kind of quick whitening for their teeth.

Remember that this is a very abrasive mineral that can wear down tooth enamel, causing gum problems, cavities and many other problems.

It is worth mentioning that apart from activated charcoal for teeth, we also do not recommend using other natural whitening methods such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

It is always good to take into consideration that each and every one of these are compounds that damage our oral cavity and put the health of our teeth at risk.

What are the disadvantages of using activated charcoal toothpaste for teeth? 

The disadvantages of using activated charcoal for teeth are as follows:

  • Does not remove stains underneath the enamel

  • Daily use can cause tooth sensitivity

  • Is highly abrasive and can wear down tooth enamel and make teeth look much yellower

  • Most brands of these toothpastes do not contain fluoride, an active ingredient that helps prevent cavities

  • May stain old teeth and damage dental restorations

  • Long-term effects and safety are unknown to date

At ProDent we will help you whiten all your teeth

Deciding on the best method to perform teeth whitening is undoubtedly a somewhat overwhelming task, most patients need good advice to make the right decision.

At ProDent you can find experts who will be able to advise you in the best possible way, about which treatment is best to achieve the whitening you want, so your teeth will be treated in a totally safe way.

Remember that if you are interested in safe teeth whitening, and would like much more information, you can contact us through the numbers on our website.

This way you can book an appointment with the best dental clinic in Tijuana, you can ask us without obligation and talk to our team of dentists, who can assess the type of whitening you can perform.

¡ProDent recommends that you avoid at all costs any promise or product that offers immediate teeth whitening!

TipsSergio Herrera