Benefits, Drawbacks Of Using Charcoal For Teeth Whitening

Have stained or yellow teeth due to too much tea or smoking? There are many nuskhas that are said to work besides most importantly giving up on the addictions that could be the culprit 99% of the time. One of them which is trending off late is the use of activated charcoal. But how good is it? What are the benefits? Are there any risks involved?

History Of Activated Charcoal

The use of it has been there since the 20th century among dentists but it was never so commercial. It is made from fine carbon powder which is made from coal, sawdust or bone char, coconut shells and olive pits. The charcoal gets activate when it is passed through high heat as it is made highly porous by altering the inner structure of the charcoal. It is negatively charged which makes it attract plaque and tooth stains.

Use For Tooth Whitening

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Activated charcoal helps in removing the stains from teeth. It is said that it can helo get rid of pigments and stains as it is a good absorbent. It is also said to be great in removing toxins and bacteria from the mouth.

Whitening

Regular consumption of certain drinks and foods tend to stain the teeth and if not taken care of, your teeth begin yellowing. It accumulates on the enamel of the teeth. That is where activated charcoal steps in as it absorbs these stains and gives aesthetically acceptable white teeth. But the internal stains remain. It is more of a bleaching process for teeth but it should not be regarded so.

Availability

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You can get activated charcoal in many forms be it in-store or online. If you are getting capsules then cut them open and apply the content on your toothbrush. Then gently, brush your teeth for 2 minutes. Don't let it hit your gums as it can be abrasive. Then spit it out and rinse. Another form is using the powder which is supposed to be used the same way. In case you have sensitive teeth, just dab it on your teeth and leave it on for 2 minutes and then rinse. You can also use it as a mouth wash by mixing it in water and using as a mouthwash, swishing for 2 minutes and spitting it out. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after that.

According to a paper published in 2019, charcoal toothpaste has the ability to whiten teeth within 4 weeks but the effect is not as great as a whitening toothpaste. However, there is no proven material on the same.

Risks Involved

• It can be very abrasive and can lead to loss of tooth structure. Your teeth can even become more sensitive to hot and cold.
• If too much enamel wears away, more of the yellowy dentin beneath will be visible.
• Settling between teeth can be an issue over time and this can lead to inflammation and trauma to the gums.

Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such tips and information.

BY:

Kishori Sud