Does Charcoal Actually Whiten Teeth?

A bright, white smile is the greatest accessory you can wear, and yellow or discolored teeth can fade the beauty of your gorgeous grin. Whether it is tooth decay, coffee, wine, tobacco products, antibiotics, or just natural wear and tear, your teeth are increasingly susceptible to staining and discoloration. Fortunately, there are many affordable solutions available in convenience stores and at dentists’ offices (think: Artistic Dental) that can help reduce the appearance of yellow teeth.

When it comes to tooth whitening products that can be used at home, some of the more popular items include over-the-counter tooth whitening kits, tooth whitening oral rinses, and whitening toothpaste. While these products may seem like viable options for a whiter, brighter smile, some of them can be ineffective.

For example, whitening mouthwashes are not nearly as effective as whitening strips, which are applied directly to the teeth. However, if you rinsed with a whitening mouthwash six to nine times a day for three to five minutes at a time, you may see results after two or three months. Nevertheless, many of these whitening products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your tooth’s enamel and irritate your gums, so it’s best to visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening services.

For patients on a budget, there may be an alternative way to naturally whiten teeth: activated charcoal. Beauty editors, health enthusiasts, bloggers, and vloggers all swear by this tooth whitening technique, but does it really work? Drs. John P. Dougherty and Dr. Prabidhi Adhikari of Artistic Dental explain the pros and cons of flaunting soot-covered teeth:

Pros

First and foremost, activated charcoal is a purifying agent that naturally absorbs contaminants in the air and body. Charcoal is often used in hospitals and poison control centers to treat drug overdoses or accidental poisonings because it traps toxic substances in your gut and removes them during bowel movements. Activated charcoal is believed to work in a similar fashion for discolored or yellowed teeth. Proponents of activated charcoal like the simplicity of the process because it requires breaking open capsules of activated charcoal, mixing the powder with water, and brushing the black paste directly onto teeth. After three to five minutes, the mixture is rinsed off, and you’ve got a slightly whiter smile.

Cons

Unfortunately, this practice may be too good to be true. Currently, there is no medical research to support the theory that activated charcoal can whiten teeth. Additionally, many dentists are concerned about the effects this abrasive paste may have on the teeth and gums over time. If patients choose to go the charcoal DIY-route for tooth whitening, they should do so sparingly and under the supervision of their dentist.

If you’re interested in fast, simple, and effective teeth whitening, look no further than Artistic Dental at the biltmore, located on Campbell Ave. Drs. John P. Dougherty and Dr. Prabidhi Adhikari of Artistic Dental provide high quality, affordable dental care to patients in Central Phoenix, Arcadia, and Scottsdale. To make an appointment for a complimentary consultation, please call 602.840.5400 today. We look forward to seeing you!