People are whitening their teeth with activated charcoal. Sound crazy? It is not a new idea. Activated charcoal, a type of charcoal, is formed when high temperatures are mixed with gases. It is used in hospitals to reduce food poisoning. The World Health Organization has enlisted activated charcoal as an Essential medicine. Here we will discuss how to use activated charcoal for teeth whitening.
Is Activated Charcoal Safe for Teeth Whitening?
Whether activated charcoal is safe for teeth whitening or not is a big question. Though there is no published experiment about the use of activated charcoal as tooth- whitener, an unpublished experiment has said that charcoal gets embedded in small holes of the teeth instead of whitening them. This research can be found at (Activated Charcoal Isn’t a Magic Health Bullet). The mineral in it can damage your enamel. Therefore, you may consult your doctor before using activated charcoal teeth whitening.
How to use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
The activated charcoal’s pores can easily remove the yellowish substances of your teeth. The mineral in it takes the food particles, plaque and surface strains with it. This way activated charcoal whitens your teeth.
Teeth Whitening with Activated Charcoal
Charcoal powder is very fine and is easy to clean non-porous surface. Brushing with activated charcoal may cause gum irritation if your gums are not healthy at all.
Ingredients:
- 1 capsule of activated charcoal
- A little water
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
Procedure:
- Empty a capsule of activated charcoal onto the toothbrush
- Add a little water
- Brush with it
- Rinse with water very well
How it works: the making of activated charcoal toothpaste is very easy. Its use for a week will show modest improvement.
Repetitions: once everyday.
Best time to apply: in the morning.
[ Read: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Whitening Teeth? ]
Coconut oil and Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening
The antimicrobial property of coconut oil reduces pathogens in the mouth, whitens teeth and freshens breath.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 15 drops peppermint oil
Preparation time: 12-15 minutes.
Procedure:
- Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl
- Mash it with rubber spatula
- When the mixture becomes softer, serve it into your mold.
- Place the mold into refrigerator for 20 minutes
- When it becomes hard, pop the tabs out of the mold
- Store in a jar.
How it works: the medium chain fatty acids of coconut oil help to strengthen enamel. On the other hand, activated charcoal removes impurities from your mouth. This mixture is effective teeth whitening.
Repetitions: once a week.
Best time to apply: in the morning.
[ Read: 10 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth at Home ]
Hydrogen Peroxide and Activated Charcoal Teeth Whiter
Hydrogen peroxide consists of oxygen molecules, which binding with stain- causing substances remove them from the teeth.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces hydrogen peroxide
- A paper cup
- 2 capsules of activated charcoal
- 1 teaspoon water
Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Procedure:
- Break 2 activated charcoal capsules and put its contents into a paper cup
- Add water to it
- Dip the toothbrush into the mixture
- Brush your teeth for 1 minute
- Rinse the toothbrush with water
- Again dab paste on the toothbrush and brush for 3 minutes
- Spit out and rinse with water
- Swirl hydrogen peroxide around in your mouth for few seconds
How it works: this paste removes impurities from the teeth. You should always use diluted hydrogen peroxide because hydrogen peroxide is dangerous at higher concentrations.
Repetitions: once in a week.
Best time to apply: in the morning.
Side Effects of Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening
The side effects of activated charcoal have been mentioned below:
- Damages Tooth Enamel: Dentists are warning against the use of activated charcoal teeth whitening because this method may cause enamel deterioration and tooth erosion.
- Make your Gums Black: another side effect of activated charcoal is that it makes your gums black. The dark pigment gradually builds into your gums. Therefore, you may get tattooed gums.
- Gets Embedded into Pores of Teeth: Charcoal gets embedded in small holes of the teeth instead of whitening them.
How Long to use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth?
You must use activated charcoal once daily for a week. And, keep in mind; brush with activated charcoal for 3 minutes only.
Brushing with the activated charcoal is a natural process to whiten the teeth. Many people have been brushing their teeth with activated charcoal in order to make their teeth shine bright. Activated charcoal is odorless and tasteless. So no need to worry about the taste of it while brushing. Try to avoid wearing white clothes while handling charcoal powder.
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- Is Coconut oil a Teeth Whitener?
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- 7 Best Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth
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