Understanding Activated Charcoal for Your Teeth

posted in: blog 0

dentistryAre you looking for a rational answer that surrounds activated charcoal for your teeth? Perhaps you are seeking a standpoint of someone who knows and understands dentistry. You have come to the right place. Today we are going to discuss this popular topic and really get down to what activated charcoal can do for your teeth.

It seems activated charcoal is doing a number of things in the beauty industry. It is being used as a whitening agent for teeth, as well as a means to wash your face and hair. When you see charcoal smeared all over someone’s teeth or face it is quite difficult to understand what benefits it may be offering.

Activated Charcoal for Whitening

Although it has only started becoming more popular in the last several years, activated charcoal has been used for some time as a whitening agent. It may seem like a strange conclusion and an unsafe whitening product, but this is far from the truth.

Activated charcoal gained attraction in the 20th century and has been increasing in popularity ever since. First used in 1834 to help a patient who had ingested mercury chloride. From there it has been used in a number of ways.

Of course, activated charcoal differs from the charcoal you would use on a BBQ. However, it is made from the same materials. It is a finely milled black powder that is made from coconut shells, bone char, olive pits, coal, sawdust and a number of other materials. Activated charcoal is made using high amounts of heat, which is responsible for activating it. The heat changes the materials internal structure. It becomes more porous than normal charcoal.

This process takes out any harmful substances that cannot be ingested by a human, which allows it to be used for a number of purposes. Activated charcoal has amazing absorption properties and has been used to treat a number of medical conditions, including preventing overdoses and poisoning treatments.

Is Activated Charcoal Ok for Teeth Whitening?

So, the question remains, can you safely use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth? It seems everyone is looking for a way to whiten their teeth, and that is why there has become such a fascination with activated charcoal dentistry.

There is no true evidence that formally shows activated charcoal to whiten teeth. However, the FDA has approved this agent for health use, but the American Dental Association does not back any activated charcoal products for dentistry use.

Observations often suggest that activated charcoal can absorb plaque and other agents that stain teeth. This would suggest that the chemical properties of activated charcoal exemplify a natural whitener for teeth.  It binds itself to toxins, which results in whiter and healthier looking teeth.

SmileLogic, Inc. has been serving Colorado with first-class dental hygiene services for over 15 years.