Have you noticed your smile getting dimmer and wish you could brighten it? If so, you’re probably considering getting teeth whitening to get rid of stubborn stains or eliminate the discoloration. There are also popular at-home brightening products that are trending on social media, such as activated charcoal. While these may seem affordable and convenient, are they even safe for your pearly whites? Read on to learn why you should leave teeth whitening to a dental professional!
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient that is being used as an alternative whitening product. Unlike the kind used for barbeque, this substance is a black powder consisting of a mixture of natural materials like coconut shells and burnt wood. Medical professionals have used this ingredient for centuries for its absorbent nature, which can help counteract drug overdose and treat accidental ingestion of poison. On social media, it’s gained popularity in cosmetic dentistry because of its capacity to bind to toxins, which is believed to also help whiten teeth. That said, you’ll need to consider a few factors before implementing this substance in your oral hygiene.
What Are the Risks of Using Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
Although you can find activated charcoal in most stores, you may want to hold off on using this on your teeth. You should note that there isn’t any scientific evidence that proves it can help the appearance of your smile. The American Dental Association concludes that the texture of activated charcoal is too abrasive. This can result in enamel erosion, leaving your pearly whites significantly more vulnerable to damage and bacteria later on. Since products consisting of this substance also don’t have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, you might reconsider how you can safely brighten your teeth.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Your dentist’s main priority is to preserve and improve your oral health. So, if you’re interested in removing stains and discoloration in your smile, you’ll want to speak with them first. They’ll be able to assess your mouth for any developing issues they can address beforehand. Then they can offer professional-grade whitening agents to effectively brighten your teeth without putting them at risk!
Instead of going with trendy products that can potentially harm your smile, make sure to consult your dentist about cosmetic dental treatments. They’ll be more than happy to help you achieve your dream look while preserving your healthy teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Maria Maiorino studied at the Temple University School of Dentistry and has delivered excellent care for over three decades. She’s also a member of several groups like the American Dental Association and the Seattle Study Club. She offers numerous high-quality services, including in-office and at-home teeth whitening. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call 609-324-9500.