How Is Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste Supposed to Be Used?

If you’ve been looking for ways to whiten teeth on your own time, you may have come across products that advertise “activated charcoal” on their labels. This relatively new trend has been hitting stores all over the country, and it’s causing dental patients to give them a second look. However, it’s important to keep some points in mind in order to utilize these products safely. To learn how this method of teeth whitening works, keep reading!

What Exactly is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is similar to the charcoal you might see in your backyard grill, but it also has medical applications. The difference is activated charcoal has been heated up with gas in order to open its pores, making it easier for it to trap chemicals. You might see it in hospitals, health food stores, or pharmacies. Its benefits include treatment for intestinal gas and lowering cholesterol levels. It is largely odorless and flavorless, making it ideal for medical purposes.

When applied to teeth, it’s supposed to bind with stains and plaque, allowing it to whiten teeth and make them appear less yellow. Once removed, it takes the harmful materials out along with it. Keep in mind though that it may not work as well on enamel that is deeply stained or naturally yellow. If charcoal whitening does not provide the results you’re looking for, professional teeth whitening would be your next best bet for a whiter and brighter smile.

Is It Safe to Use?

It is safe to ingest activated charcoal, however it can cause damage to your enamel if you are not careful. Furthermore, you should not be using it if you have any open wounds, cuts or abrasions in your mouth. This includes gum disease, which is characterized by red or inflamed gum tissue, bleeding gums and gum recession.

Finally, it is crucial that you speak to a dentist first before using activated charcoal products. They’ll be able to confirm if your teeth will react positively to it or if you should consider another product or treatment.

What are the Steps for Its Use?

Start by searching for a local health food store or pharmacy, then either grind up the tablets you purchase (typically one to two) so that you have about a teaspoon of charcoal to work with. You can skip this step if you’ve bought toothpaste with activated charcoal in it. Once the charcoal is a fine dust, add some water to it to form a paste and apply it directly to your teeth. Make sure to only dab or tap the mixture against your smile. Leave the toothpaste on for about three minutes so that it can effectively bind to your surface enamel. Do not scrub the toothpaste on your teeth. This will help you avoid scratching, chipping or damaging your enamel. Finally, rinse your mouth out with water before brushing your smile clean of any residue.

If you find yourself searching “how to whiten my teeth” online, you might be better off speaking to a dentist directly. Schedule an appointment with one today to get all the answers you need regarding teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry!

About West Hartford Dental Group

Dr. Ukti Phadnis and Dr. Ajay Dhingra offer many in-office solutions for making your teeth look exactly the way you want it to. This includes teeth whitening, which incorporates professional-grade bleaching materials and highly personalized application methods. If you want to take your cosmetic dental treatment to the next level, you can contact them through their website.