With the rise of social media and trends, you likely have seen a wide range of do-it-yourself hacks. From ones that can give a new look to an old shirt to others ones that can give you a bright smile! With the latter, you likely have run into activated charcoal as a seemingly easy solution to stained teeth. However, it can do more harm than you initially imagine! Keep reading to learn why you should leave whitening to the professionals.
Just What Is Activated Charcoal?
Charcoal in these DIY videos is different from what you’d use to draw or grill with. It can be made from similar things, such as peat, wood, or coconut shells. What makes it become “activated” is when it’s a fine powder that’s been through extreme heat to oxidize it. Doing this makes the product more absorbent. It’s meant to bind to odors or toxins, which may be helpful in facial masks and shampoos.
Does Activated Charcoal Really Work?
That being said, does it do anything when you put it in oral hygiene products? It may be able to whiten your teeth a bit, but that’s because it’s abrasive. It wears down your enamel, which gets rid of surface stains. However, it doesn’t do anything to discoloration that’s rooted just a bit deeper.
The more you use these products on your smile, then you can actually thin out the top layer. Not only can this cause sensitivity, but it can also expose the dentin underneath. This part of your tooth is naturally yellow or gray, so you may actually be doing the opposite of what you want!
So, What Can I Do to Get Brighter Teeth?
The best and safest way you can get the pearly whites you want is by visiting your dentist. They may offer an in-office visit or a take-home kit, both of which are leagues better than store-bought products. A high-quality bleaching gel is used, which targets dark particles on and within your enamel. Your dentist will check on you during your treatment or give you specific instructions that help ensure you leave without any discomfort. Both give you results that are six to eight shades brighter!
Although you may be tempted to use activated charcoal, you should stick to reliable options. By heading to your dentist, you can keep your oral health protected and show off pearly whites without any sensitivity.
About the Practice
At Lake Oconee Dentistry, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your smile. We understand how less-than-perfect teeth can leave you feeling down, so we offer cosmetic dental treatments, such as professional whitening, as effective solutions. By listening to your goals, you can get results that you feel confident in. If you have dental stains you want to get rid of, schedule an appointment or call our office at (706) 453-1333.