This week 3 patients asked about using activated charcoal toothbrushing to whiten their teeth and wanted to know if this was safe. Interestingly, there is a thread on Instagram exploiting the benefits.
IS IT SAFE TO BRUSH WITH or USE ACTVATED CHARCOAL POWDER?
Simply stated NO. Activated Charcoal is abrasive and you run the risk of damaging or eroding the enamel on your teeth. Another stated possible risk with activated powder is the possibility of the powder staining your gums similar to a tattoo.
Once the enamel thins, it leads to a darker tooth color as the layer under the enamel is yellow and this shines through. Enamel will not grow back and the only way to cover this up is utilizing porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental procedures.
WHAT IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?
This is not the charcoal that we all think of for grilling. It is created when gas is forced into charcoal granules. This is often used at the hospitals and veterinary clinics for overdoses since it soaks up chemicals.
In overview, health fads come and go, this one is not worth the risks. If you are interested in whiter teeth, still to products that are FDA or ADA approved.
If you have any questions about Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, please feel free to call our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, FLVI, FIAPA, 713-668-2289.
