{"id":366,"date":"2022-07-24T02:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-24T02:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wacofamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=366"},"modified":"2022-08-17T02:44:31","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T02:44:31","slug":"is-activated-charcoal-safe-for-teeth-whitening-according-to-dentist-in-waco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wacofamilydental.com\/blog\/2022\/07\/24\/is-activated-charcoal-safe-for-teeth-whitening-according-to-dentist-in-waco\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Activated Charcoal Safe for Teeth Whitening?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A lot of people try to stay on top of the latest trends. Thanks to social media and the internet, it\u2019s easier than ever to be in the loop about what\u2019s hot and what\u2019s not. Well, activated charcoal is one ingredient that has caught on in recent years. People claim that because it absorbs dirt and impurities, it can effectively whiten teeth as well. But before you start brushing with the grainy substance, here\u2019s what you need to know about it according to your dentist in Waco<\/a>, and why you should see a professional for teeth whitening instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Activated Charcoal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from several natural substances, including coconut shells, olive pits, slowly burned wood, and peat. It\u2019s created by heating regular charcoal in the presence of gas, causing it to become porous and highly absorbent. What\u2019s unique about this substance is it can bind to toxins and odors rather than soaking them up. Some people claim activated charcoal can alleviate gas, lower cholesterol levels, prevent hangovers, and even whiten teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing a new toothpaste can be overwhelming. There are shelves upon shelves of various types of dental products, many of which contain activated charcoal. These types of toothpaste use charcoal powder to clean teeth. Although charcoal toothpaste promises to eliminate stains and reduce plaque, there\u2019s no scientific evidence to support these claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the abrasive texture may even harm teeth rather than whiten them by wearing down the enamel. If you decide to use charcoal toothpaste for its \u201cbenefits,\u201d make sure you do so cautiously since overuse can lead to teeth erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe for Teeth Whitening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using charcoal toothpaste to brighten your pearly whites can do more harm than good. As mentioned earlier, the abrasive substance can wear down enamel over time. Since charcoal can effectively scrub away surface stains, your teeth may initially look whiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, they\u2019ll eventually look more yellow over time because you\u2019re thinning the enamel and showing more of the inner dentin which is darker. As a result, you can increase your risk of sensitivity and tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Consider Professional Teeth Whitening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you unhappy with the color of your smile? Your cosmetic dentist can restore its brightness with a professional teeth whitening treatment. They\u2019ll use professional, high-quality, and effective materials to whiten your teeth dramatically without putting them at risk. With their help, you can achieve your desired results quickly and safely! Most dental offices offer in-office whitening and take-home bleaching kits, so you can choose the option that works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking about using charcoal toothpaste, ask your dentist in Waco what they recommend. They\u2019ll suggest options that are safe for you to try and discuss alternatives as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry<\/a>, we value preventive care and patient education to help you achieve optimal dental health. As your dentist in Waco, we are diligent about continuing education courses to stay current in the ever-evolving dental field. It is very important that we earn your trust, and you expect a positive experience during every office visit. If you are interested in teeth whitening, we offer fast in-office treatment or convenient take-home kits. Learn more about your options during a consultation which you can schedule on our website<\/a> or call (254) 848-0240.<\/p>\n\r\n