Teeth whitening has grown in popularity over the past year or two due to the rising use of activated charcoal. From powder to paste, activated charcoal seemingly does the trick in having teeth appear whiter. But how does it work? Is it safe?
The thing is, activated charcoal is not whitening your teeth the way you believe it to be. It is actually absorbing plaque and compounds that stain your teeth. It is giving your teeth a good cleanse in order to help them appear whiter! How cool is that?
While it is safer to consult with us at Progressive Family Dentistry before using different substances on your teeth, FDA approved activated charcoal seems to be a safe decision for helping your teeth appear whiter. Our only concern is the abrasive tendencies of the product.
As you well know, as an adult, the teeth you have are the teeth you are stuck with. They do not regrow and need to be treated with care. Using a product that is too abrasive on your teeth can cause enamel breakdown. You want to keep enamel intact to ensure a long lifespan of healthy teeth.
All in all, activated charcoal is safe to use in moderation. Make sure what you are using is as non-abrasive as possible. If you have any questions, our Progressive Family Dentistry Team can help you answer and understand your concerns!