Is activated charcoal safe for teeth whitening?

However, before you consider any dental treatments or products, it's best to contact our team to make sure you're not wasting time and money. Here, we review activated charcoal as a tooth whitening option and our recommendations.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal consists of a fine-grained powder used for many different applications. Because it comes from several different natural substances, from coconut shells to olive kernels, from peat to slow-burning wood, many people use it as a safe alternative for teeth whitening.

How does activated charcoal work?

Because the powder is exposed to extreme heat, it gets oxidized and becomes active. Activated charcoal becomes very porous, making it extremely absorbent. Activated carbon has a wide surface and water absorption, which acts differently than other absorbent substances. Its unique properties do not absorb toxins.

Instead, it binds to them and allows them to be removed efficiently. As a result, it has been used since the early 1800s to help treat toxic ingestions and drug overdoses. It stops the body from absorbing toxins into the bloodstream and is still used today to treat drug overdoses and poisonings.

How do I use activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal has many benefits and is backed by scientific evidence. This includes treatment for poisoning victims and overdoses, as well as reducing the smell of armpit odor and flatulence. It is also used in a variety of beauty products from face masks to shampoos. But what happens when you use it on your teeth?

Precautions for using activated charcoal for teeth whitening

If you are still willing to try using activated charcoal, we would like to offer some precautions.

Refined Use

Activated charcoal is sold as a powder mixed with water. You create a paste that is applied to your teeth. Some people use a toothbrush, while others prefer to use their fingers. Due to the abrasive nature of the product, it is best to use your finger, as the abrasive nature of the toothbrush will only make things worse.

Staining

The dark black powder can stain your clothes, towels and countertops, so use it with care.

Overuse

You may also increase the risk of enamel erosion if you are overzealous in your efforts to get better results. ADA recommends that you choose an activated charcoal toothpaste for whitening with a relative dentin abrasion of 250 or less. You should also limit short-term use and continue to alternate brushing with a trusted fluoride toothpaste recommended by the ADA.

Other active ingredients

Be aware of the other ingredients listed on activated charcoal toothpastes. Ingredients such as sorbitol may trigger allergic reactions. It is used as a sweetener, but is also known as a laxative, so avoid swallowing this product.

Children and Pregnant Women

Since it is not approved by the ADA or the FDA, it is best avoided by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Onuge Secret Strips is the manufacturer of charcoal teeth whitening strips and has a more unique insight on the issue of activated charcoal being safe for teeth whitening, so if you want to learn more about what activated charcoal can do for your teeth, you can come and contact us!