Many people wish they had sparkling, bright smiles, though very few people come by them honestly. Consuming darkly pigmented foods like coffee, tea, wine, and berries regularly can eventually tint your teeth, leaving your grin looking more brown or yellow than pearly white.
If you’re a fan of at-home remedies, you might have heard that activated charcoal can be an effective teeth whitener. However, it’s usually best to contact your dentist to lighten your enamel instead. Continue reading to learn why!
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal isn’t the same substance as the black blocks you put on the grill to start your barbecue. It’s a fine-grained black powder made from various natural sources, including coconut shells, peat, olive pits, and slowly burned wood.
However, during its production, it’s heated at incredibly high temperatures in the presence of a gas that causes it to develop pores. This makes it incredibly absorbent, which is why it’s often used to treat certain types of poisoning and drug overdoses. Some people believe that this material can also soak up stains from your enamel to enhance your appearance. But does this at-home remedy really work?
Is Activated Charcoal Safe for Teeth Whitening?
Although many swear by activated charcoal’s teeth-whitening attributes, there’s no scientific evidence to support this. This material may be able to somewhat lighten your enamel, but you’re unlikely to achieve consistent or high-quality results using this method.
Not only that, but there are numerous powders and toothpastes containing activated charcoal that claim to brighten teeth, but using them might cause more harm than good. For instance, activated charcoal has an abrasive texture that can damage your enamel. Gouging the protective outer layer increases your vulnerability to further discoloration, damage, and decay.
How Can I Brighten My Grin?
The safest way to lighten your teeth is by visiting your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth before providing any elective services to ensure no issues, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with the results. Then, they utilize ultra-strength gels designed to prevent potential sensitivity for a comfortable and accurate outcome.
Whether you prefer the instant results of an in-office procedure or opt for a take-home kit with professional-grade supplies and custom-fitted trays, your dentist can help you reduce the appearance of stains.
Visiting your dentist is the safest and most effective way to achieve your smile goals and boost your confidence without causing harm!
About the Practice
At Mt. Holly Family Dentistry, you and your loved ones benefit from the expertise of three experienced dentists. Dr. Cygler, Dr. Genco, and Dr. Iacovoni collaborate to provide a comprehensive range of services for people of all ages, ensuring that your entire family receives the same high-quality care. Then, their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to provide accurate treatment results tailored to your individual needs. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (609) 267-3230.