Brushing your teeth with charcoal powder?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
In this blogpost we will talk about “Brushing your teeth with charcoal powder”. And we will also include the following topics: What is Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
What Does Activated Charcoal Do to Your Teeth?
Is This OK for Your Teeth?
Risks of Using Activated Charcoal on Your Teeth
Precautions for using activated charcoal on teeth
Should You Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
Charcoal teeth whitening DIY
Alternative at-home teeth whiteners
Brushing your teeth with charcoal powder?
Activated charcoal is a fine-grained black powder derived from natural ingredients such as coconut shells, olive pits, gently burnt wood, and peat.
Once the powder is oxidised at high temperatures, it gets activated. Activated charcoal is extremely porous and adsorbent. It has a large surface area as well.
Recently it has become a very popular remedy for teeth whitening. It does have some benefits but there are also some disadvantages and risks involved.
What is Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
This fine, black powder, formerly regarded as the “universal antidote,” may be prepared from coal, bone char, peat, sawdust, and other sources prior to actually being heated to reduce its surface area (and thereby “activating” it).
It has long been used as a poison treatment (since it could trap different toxins and prevent them from being absorbed by your body) and, anecdotally, as a natural agent for preventing gas, lowering cholesterol, and even nullifying hangovers in this form.
When it comes to teeth whitening, the most prevalent claim is that it may help absorb plaque and remove stains from coffee, wine, and other beverages that can stain your teeth and make them seem yellow. This assertion, on the other hand, has not been supported by any thorough scientific investigation.
What Does Activated Charcoal Do to Your Teeth?
Activated charcoal can lighten stains on your teeth since it is formed of small, abrasive granules that wear the stains away. This is similar to the use of baking soda, which is also not advised by many dentists. Because charcoal is abrasive, it can cut through plaque and begin to wear away your teeth’s enamel. Because enamel cannot be replaced, your teeth will become more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.
Is This OK for Your Teeth?
Despite the fact that activated charcoal is abrasive, it isn’t harmful to your teeth in and of itself; nevertheless, if you brush with it, it won’t do much help in the long run since it doesn’t have enough time to rest on the surface of your teeth and provide any real whitening impact.
It’s also worth noting that there’s a distinction to be made between eliminating stains from your teeth (which is what activated charcoal toothpastes promise to do) and teeth whitening. The first includes removing unattractive stains on the enamel, as the name implies, and is usually performed under the supervision of dental specialists using their specialised instruments. Whitening, on the other hand, is a procedure that alters the underlying colour of your teeth, which can differ from person to person depending on factors such as enamel thickness. As a result, even if superficial stains are removed, what is underlying your enamel might cause your teeth to seem yellow.
Risks of Using Activated Charcoal on Your Teeth
If you wish to use charcoal toothpaste, please consult your dentist. Be aware of the risks and avoid using it for a prolonged duration of time.
Experts have advised caution due to factors such as:
Thinning enamel
When you use activated charcoal toothpaste, your teeth may appear whiter at first. However, if you continue to use it, your teeth may turn yellow. If this occurs, it is because the activated charcoal has worn down your enamel and exposed the inner layer of your teeth dentin which is present just below the enamel and darker in color
More surface roughness
In a lab test, researchers discovered that activated charcoal powder enhanced the surface roughness of teeth and even modified the surface of the enamel. In addition, the study found that activated charcoal powder did not whiten teeth.If the surface of your teeth is rough, germs can attach to them more easily, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease..
Tooth powders are abrasive
Because of the abrasive ingredients involved, as well as the size of their particles, tooth powders can be up to five times more abrasive than toothpastes.
Not suitable for children
Children should not use activated charcoal toothpastes, according to dentists, since they are too abrasive for growing and developing teeth.
Precautions for using activated charcoal on teeth
It is essential to protect your teeth by choosing products that will not wear away the enamel. Because excessive usage of activated charcoal products might cause tooth erosion, use them with extreme caution.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends toothpastes having a relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) of 250 or less. Do extra effort to find activated charcoal toothpastes that comply with this rule.
If this isn’t feasible, only use the product for a short time. You may also use a fluoride toothpaste as a substitute.
Instead of using a toothbrush to apply activated charcoal to your teeth, consider rubbing it on with your fingertips to minimize abrasiveness.
Activated charcoal may not be appropriate for use in children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Remember that some activated charcoal products contain other chemicals, such as sorbitol. Sorbitol is a man-made sweetener that may trigger some allergic responses in certain individuals. If too much is ingested, it may have a laxative effect.
Before you start using activated charcoal, talk to your dentist to see if it’s the correct decision for you.
Should You Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
Keeping all of this in mind, while charcoal tooth whitening isn’t necessarily beneficial for your teeth, it’s also not the worst option. Some dentists recommend using it once a month or so to remove stains from your enamel.
If you’re cautious, fine charcoal toothpaste won’t harm your teeth, and activated charcoal is completely safe to consume. But, in the end, there are better and safer ways to improve the appearance and condition of your teeth.
The reality is that most types of at-home teeth whitening are harmful in some way. Bleaching chemicals have the potential to induce persistent tooth sensitivity. Baking soda and charcoal, for example, are abrasive substances that can wear down your tooth enamel and increase your chances of developing dental problems. Professional whitening is more reliable.
Charcoal teeth whitening DIY
The first step in using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth is to obtain the mineral from your local health food shop or pharmacy. Because the mineral is often offered in tablet form, the next step is to crush up 1-2 tablets, or about 1-2 tablespoons, in a jar. When the charcoal has been reduced to a fine dust, add just enough water to make a paste. The next step is to apply the paste directly to your teeth that need to be cleaned, being careful to simply dab or tap the mixture onto your teeth rather than pressing it on to avoid harming your teeth. Allow the activated charcoal paste to sit on your teeth for three minutes to allow it to bond with surface stains, then thoroughly rinse your mouth several times before brushing your teeth clean.
Alternative at-home teeth whiteners
You can achieve a bright smile in a variety of ways.
Brush your teeth at least twice every day to keep them in good condition. Brush your teeth after drinking stain-causing beverages such as black coffee and red wine.
If you smoke cigarettes, you’ve probably noticed that they stain your teeth. If you need another reason to quit, add a brighter smile to your list.
There are many safe, effective methods for naturally whitening teeth at home. Try the following:
Baking soda is a natural whitening agent that may be found in a variety of toothpastes. You may also form a paste by mixing it with water at home. Baking soda may also be used to freshen your breath.
Over time, diluted hydrogen peroxide can help whiten teeth. Use it as a rinse before or after brushing your teeth. However, never use hydrogen peroxide at maximum strength since it might irritate the gums.
Over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes are available in a variety of brands. The cost and efficacy of these products vary. Before you buy, read reviews to get an idea of what to expect.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How often should you brush your teeth with charcoal powder?
Brushing with charcoal powder should not be done more than once or twice a week.
Why shouldn’t you brush your teeth with charcoal?
Charcoal contains abrasive particles that can erode the enamel away and make the teeth appear yellow and prone to cavities and sensitivity.
How long does it take for charcoal to whiten your teeth?
Charcoal paste should be left on teeth for two minutes to whiten the teeth.
Can you use charcoal powder everyday?
No, you should not use charcoal powder everyday since it is abrasive in nature.
Does charcoal remove plaque?
Yes, charcoal can help in the removal of plaque to some extent.
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