Can Charcoal Whiten Your Teeth?

If you’ve been on social media recently, odds are you’ve seen pictures of someone brushing their teeth with what looks to be a black toothpaste. If you’re wondering whether it really works, or even if the process is safe, then you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading as we answer the question: can charcoal whiten your teeth?

How Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

The type of charcoal used for whitening is very different from the kind you would find in your grill or an artist’s toolkit. It’s known as “activated” charcoal. It becomes activated when exposed to a special gas and heat, which makes it porous. When it’s attached to your teeth, the yellowing substances on the surfaces of your teeth bind to the pores in the charcoal, and when the material is removed, so are the stains. However, it only gets rid of stains that are on the direct surface of the teeth. For more serious cases of discoloration, it’s best to visit your cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening treatment.

Is It Safe?

Although activated charcoal is harmless when ingested, the material can be abrasive to your teeth, especially if scrubbed too aggressively. When using activated charcoal, be sure to only apply the gentlest of pressure so as not to cause any chips or scratches in your pearly whites.

How Can I Use Activated Charcoal Without Damaging My Teeth?

You can purchase activated charcoal from nearly every pharmacy or drugstore, or even some grocery stores. In general, it’s sold in tablet form, so then you have to grind up a tablet or two, which is equal to about 1-2 teaspoons. After the charcoal has been ground up into a fine dust, sprinkle just enough of it into water to create a paste. Gently dab the solution on your teeth. Try not to rub it on, as that can damage your tooth enamel. Leave the mixture on for about three minutes to ensure that it has enough time to bond with the chemicals causing your discoloration. Finally, rinse your mouth out with water several times before brushing your teeth to make sure they’re squeaky clean and white.

Charcoal whitening may be just a trend, but it’s possible that it really works for you. If you’ve tried it and gotten no results, see your dentist for a more traditional whitening treatment.

About the Practice

At Dental Dynamics in Skokie, IL, our team of dental specialists strives to greatly improve the health and confidence of all of our patients’ smiles. Our dentists have a wide variety of specialities to try and meet all your needs under one roof, including teeth whitening. If you’re in need of a brighter smile, contact us by clicking here or calling (847) 329-9801.