Activated charcoal represents a black fine grain powder obtained from multiple natural substances like coconut shells, peat and wood burned slowly. Such fine powder gets activated through oxidation under intense heat. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent and very porous with a wide surface area. Opposed to other absorbent substances, activated charcoal binds itself to odours and toxins than absorbing or soaking up. However, you should not confuse activated charcoal with the type of charcoal used in barbecuing. While the looks may be similar, barbecue charcoal is produced as a fuel which emits carbon dioxide when heat is applied. Conversely, activated charcoal is from such toxins.
For centuries, medical literature has referenced the absorbent nature of activated charcoal in different contexts. Activated charcoal shot into prominence in early 1800s as treatment for poison ingested accidentally. This was aided by the fact that activated charcoal can stop certain poisons from getting absorbed in the bloodstream via the gut and even in modern times, medical practitioner use this product for the purpose. Another important area where activated charcoal helps medical practitioners is in counteracting overdose of drugs.
Scientific evidence and plenty of anecdotal information are also available to show various other uses and benefits of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal can also be found in shampoos and face masks. Due to its ability to bind to harmful toxins some people also believe that it is helpful in teeth whitening. But, before you choose charcoal teeth whitening powder, here are things that you should know.
Charcoal Teeth Whitening
A wide range of dental products with activated charcoal can be found on your neighbourhood store shelves ranging from kits to toothpastes. Products with this ingredient claim that they can remove wine stains, coffee stains and plaque. However, scientific evidence to substantiate this claim is still lacking. In the absence of data supporting the claims, products with these ingredients fail to get a seal of acceptance. Some even hold that the abrasive character of charcoal could potentially harm the teeth through wearing down of tooth enamel, than whitening the teeth.
However, the absence of scientific evidence has not deterred people seeking whiter teeth or wanting to eliminate various tooth stains from swearing by the ability of activated charcoal to efficiently address their pursuit.
DIY Charcoal Teeth Whitening
There are many ways to take advantage of activated charcoal through DIY or at home variants. Capsules or powders are available and these can be opened and mixed with water to derive a paste. Alternatively, you can also simply sprinkle the powder on wet finger or a wet toothbrush. However, you should also know that activated charcoal can stain countertops and fabrics.
These precautions are recommended before you use activated charcoal for teeth whitening
While choosing charcoal teeth whitening products, you should ensure that the products chosen won’t be harmful to your tooth enamel. Overuse of products containing activated charcoal can cause teeth erosion and therefore you should be careful while using them. Dental experts recommend that you should choose toothpastes RDA or ‘relative dentin abrasivity’ at 250 or lower. You can check the details on the label of your tooth paste with activated charcoal to ensure that they meet these standards. When the required information is not available, you can either use such products for a short duration or alternate them with regular fluoride based toothpaste. Another measure to stay is safe is applying the activated charcoal by rubbing it on the teeth than using a toothbrush.
If you are looking for charcoal teeth whitening products approved by government agencies, you should be aware that presently there are no such approvals across the globe, and Australia is no exception. Further, the medical world suggests that children, pregnant/breast feeding women are better off staying away from these products. In this context, you should also know that some products labelled as activated charcoal compositions may contain ingredients like sorbitol. Sorbitol represents artificial sweetener which could trigger allergic reaction in some individuals and have laxative effect when too much of the product is ingested. You may also want to check with your dentist before you start using activated charcoal based products for teeth whitening so that he/she can recommend the right product for you.
Are There Alternatives?
Yes, there are alternatives to achieve the pearly smile in more ways and these include brushing twice at least every day. Similarly, ensuring that you brush after consuming drinks that generally stain your teeth, red wine, black coffee and certain fruits like berries are also significantly helpful. Similarly, if you are a smoker you have possibly noticed the nicotine stains on your teeth. If you need one more reason to quit this harmful habit, you must add a brighter smile to the list.
You may also try the following methods which have proved effective to get naturally whiter teeth without visiting a dentist’s office.
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* Baking soda – This ingredient is present in many types of toothpaste and is a natural whitening agent. You can combine water with baking soda and make a paste. Baking soda also acts as a good mouth freshener.
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* Diluted hydrogen peroxide is another helpful product to whiten your teeth over a period of time. You can use this in the form of a rinse after or before brushing. However, ensure that you never use hydrogen peroxide in its full strength since it has the potential to irritate the gums.
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* A wide range of OTC whitening gels, strips and toothpastes are available and some of them may also have an ADA acceptance seal. However, effectiveness and price of these products vary. Read the product reviews carefully to understand what you can expect.
Summing Up
Though activated carbon has certain proven uses, teeth whitening does not figure in that. But, if you still want to give this a try, you should do so in moderation. Your dentist is the best person to provide effective guidance to stay safe.