Activated charcoal has gotten popular lately as a DIY teeth whitener. Blogs and social media say it lets you whiten teeth while saving money. Some stores even sell whitening products with it. However, this charcoal isn’t as great as its supporters claim. In fact, you’re better off seeing a dental professional if you want a white smile. Read on to learn about activated charcoal, its risks, and why to see a dentist for teeth whitening in San Antonio.
Why Would Charcoal Whiten Teeth?
Activated charcoal is a black powder made from coconut shells, sawdust, and so on. It’s fairly well-known for becoming absorbent when heated. Many companies thus use it for shampoos, water filtration systems, and the treatment of poisons.
This charcoal’s absorption ability makes some see it as an ideal DIY whitener. It absorbs other materials, the thinking goes, so it can surely absorb tooth stains and plaque from teeth. A whiter smile, then, would only take a small dab of charcoal or charcoal-based toothpaste.
The Risks of Charcoal Whiteners
Claims of activated charcoal’s whitening power are greatly exaggerated.
For starters, the stuff is likely to harm your teeth. The ADA has said this charcoal thins enamel and contributes to tooth sensitivity. It also exposes your teeth’s inner layers, thus raising your risk of cavities and tooth infections.
Worse yet, the charcoal wouldn’t whiten your teeth anyway. It causes tooth damage, so it’d only make your smile look dirty and weak. For that reason, the American Dental Association hasn’t given activated charcoal products its Seal of Acceptance. The material, in other words, leaves your teeth worse off than before.
See a Dentist for Professional Whitening
Compared to activated charcoal, teeth whitening from a dentist is far safer and more effective.
Firstly, it relies on a special gel that doesn’t harm enamel. Even when it comes to side effects, the most this procedure would cause is some temporary and mild tooth sensitivity.
Secondly, its method of bleaching teeth white has been shown to work repeatedly. At this point, dentists have proven the treatment will whiten your teeth by about 6-8 shades.
As you can see, activated charcoal isn’t ideal for teeth whitening in San Antonio. That said, talk to your local dentist to see if professional whitening is just what your smile needs.
About the Practice
Laith Family Dentistry is based in San Antonio, TX. As led by Dr. Racha Kadamani, the practice strives to meet its patients’ dental needs. To that end, its team offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. When necessary, the staff can also perform dental sedation and wisdom tooth removal. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (210)-782-0008.
