You’re scrolling through your feed one day when you see a picture of someone brushing their teeth with what looks like black toothpaste. You think it’s a bit weird, but you continue scrolling. Then you see another picture of someone with the black toothpaste. Then another. These people claim it whitens their teeth. You’re self-conscious about the stains in your smile, so now you’re curious. What’s the big deal about charcoal teeth whitening? Does it work as well as professional whitening treatments? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?
The main ingredient in charcoal toothpaste is a different kind of charcoal than what you would find in the grill or an artist’s toolkit. This variety is known as “activated” charcoal. It becomes activated when exposed to a gas that makes it highly porous. These pores help the charcoal become more absorbent, allowing it to soak in substances, such as, some believe, surface stains on your teeth.
Can Charcoal Actually Whiten Your Teeth?
No definite relationship has been proven between using charcoal toothpaste and having whiter teeth. More research needs to be done on the subject before anything can be said for certain.
Some proponents of charcoal whitening will claim it absorbs stains. However, some research has suggested that charcoal toothpaste simply scrubs the surface of the tooth and does not remove deeper stains underneath the enamel. One theory states that people who use charcoal are likely to brush more often, resulting in slightly whiter teeth. However, as stated earlier, more research must be done.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?
While charcoal doesn’t have any proven benefits for your teeth, professional whitening treatment from your dentist in Tyler certainly does. Here are a few advantages of seeking a brighter smile from your dentist:
- Strong bleaching agent much more potent than anything you can find in stores
- Custom-made whitening trays designed to fit your smile
- Guaranteed results in as little as two weeks for at-home treatment and one hour for in-office whitening
- Results that can last for years with proper upkeep
If you find yourself wishing you had a brighter smile, contact your dentist. They can work with you and figure out which treatment option is best for you. And that plan sure won’t include charcoal!
About the Author
Dr. Dennis Stansbury has more than 44 years of experience helping patients in Tyler, TX whiten their smiles. He has earned a Fellowship with the American College of Dentists and is a member of several other organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. To learn more about how he can help brighten your smile, visit his website or call (903)-561-1122.