{"id":218,"date":"2022-05-17T13:40:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T13:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/?p=218"},"modified":"2022-10-13T13:41:54","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T13:41:54","slug":"can-i-do-teeth-whitening-with-charcoal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/17\/can-i-do-teeth-whitening-with-charcoal\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Whiten My Teeth With Charcoal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/AdobeStock_323599356__1___1654523279_80718.jpg\" alt=\"Woman holding toothbrush with activated charcoal toothpaste\" class=\"wp-image-219\" width=\"299\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/AdobeStock_323599356__1___1654523279_80718.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/AdobeStock_323599356__1___1654523279_80718-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/AdobeStock_323599356__1___1654523279_80718-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard of activated charcoal if you\u2019re considering DIY teeth whitening. On social media and elsewhere, the material is hyped as a miracle whitener that can give you instant results with low cost and effort. But Internet forums and word-of-mouth aren\u2019t exactly reliable, fact-checked sources. Should you trust what you\u2019re hearing and get in on this trend?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As it turns out, claims of charcoal\u2019s whitening effects are greatly exaggerated. See for yourself in this summary on activated charcoal \u2014 its traits, risks, and why to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/cosmetic-dentist-houston.html#whitening&quot;\">professional whitening<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activated Charcoal Traits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from stuff like coconut shells, sawdust, olive pits, peat, etc. When placed under extreme heat, it becomes porous and absorbent, taking in surrounding materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Would Charcoal Whiten Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most famous trait of activated charcoal is its ability to absorb dirt and similar impurities. In centuries past, this made it useful for smelting bronze. Today, its absorbing power is used for shampoos, water filtration systems, and the treatment of poisons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These and similar facts convince some that activated charcoal is the ideal DIY whitener. Just as it absorbs other materials, it would absorb stains and plaque from enamel surfaces. All you\u2019d have to do for a whiter smile is apply it directly or use charcoal-based toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charcoal Whiteners Are Harmful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re more likely to harm your teeth with activated charcoal than help them. The ADA has said activated charcoal\u2019s texture thins your enamel, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Plus, exposing your dentin \u2014 the inner layers of your teeth \u2014 risks other conditions like cavities or bacterial infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charcoal Whiteners Are Ineffective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also little reason to believe the charcoal would whiten your teeth anyway. The tooth damage mentioned above will leave your smile looking dirty, blackened, and weak. For that reason, charcoal items don\u2019t receive the American Dental Association\u2019s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. In other words, neither pure activated charcoal nor products made from it will have any whitening effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See a Dentist for Professional Whitening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dentists agree that professional whitening works better than activated charcoal. They vet the former for both safety and effectiveness. For instance, many cosmetic dentists can bleach your teeth with hydrogen peroxide to remove teeth stains for a whiter, healthier smile. Some even offer customized bleaching trays that patients can take home for personal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t assume that charcoal will get you the whitened teeth you\u2019ve always wanted. Instead, remember the risks and consider seeing your dentist for a healthy, shining smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/meet-the-dentist.html\"><em>Dr. Cher Rich<\/em><\/a><em> is a dentist practicing in Houston, TX. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&amp;M and her DDS from the University of Texas at Houston\u2019s Dental School. So that her patients can achieve and maintain healthy smiles, she specializes in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Rich is also equipped to perform periodontal, TMD, and sleep apnea therapies. She currently practices at her <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cherrichdds.com\/contact.html\"><em>self-titled clinic<\/em><\/a><em> and can be reached by phone at <strong>(281)-469-6281.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve probably heard of activated charcoal if you\u2019re considering DIY teeth whitening. On social media and elsewhere, the material is hyped as a miracle whitener that can give you instant results with low cost and effort. But Internet forums and word-of-mouth aren\u2019t exactly reliable, fact-checked sources. Should you trust what you\u2019re hearing and get in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is Charcoal a Safe Teeth Whitener? | Houston Dentist | Cher Rich, DDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"People say charcoal is good for DIY teeth whitening, but is it really safe? 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