DIY Teeth Whitening Via Activated Charcoal

Investing in professional teeth whitening is a great way to achieve a dazzling smile. But once you have the appearance of your teeth restored, it is vital to take measure to retain their newly found whiteness. While purchasing at-home whitening kits may seem convenient, you should note that since these kits are mass-produced, they might not provide you with even stain removal. A more efficient and natural option that you can consider is activated charcoal. The following article examines the different facets you need to know about when it comes to DIY teeth whitening using activated charcoal.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a compound composed primarily of carbon that has undergone processes to increase its absorbency. The activated charcoal itself is typically in powder form. However, unlike regular powder, the particles that make up the dust in activated charcoal are all covered with minuscule holes that subsequently increase the surface area of each powder particle. This characteristic is what makes the activated charcoal powder incredibly adept at bonding with a host of contaminants—making it an appropriate, all-natural teeth-whitening solution.

How does teeth whitening via activated charcoal work?

Since activated charcoal is not the same as toothpaste, you may need to familiarise yourself with how it works. Take note that activated charcoal is typically sold in capsules. To start cleaning your teeth, empty the contents of a capsule directly onto your toothbrush. Proceed to dampen the activated charcoal with a little water, then brush your teeth with the moistened powder. When the activated charcoal encounters your enamel, it absorbs the stains on it. Incorporating activated charcoal to your regular oral care will eventually result in less-stained teeth, making them appear whiter than they were before. 

Is activated charcoal​ a solution for all teeth stains?

While activated charcoal helps in stain elimination, this does not mean that it can get rid of all stains. Most commonly, activated charcoal is highly efficient when it comes to the removal of stains caused by tobacco, wine and even coffee, as it readily adheres to these molecules. However, you should take note that activated charcoal does not function as a bleaching agent. Instead, it directly works to get rid of the stains that are causing your teeth to appear yellowed. If you have severely stained teeth, for instance from excessive fluoride, then you should consider professional teeth whitening to bleach the enamel through whitening gel and laser light.