IS CHARCOAL SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR TEETH WHITENING?

Some toothpaste manufacturers claim that activated charcoal can take in or soak up stains on teeth, thus whitening teeth.

Activated charcoal commonly used to neutralise poisons that have been ingested accidentally or deliberately by individuals thus facilitating the ousting of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, is industrially treated charcoal.

Although there is some evidence according to the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) July 2019 publication that activated charcoal can be efficacious in some cases at reducing stains and whitening teeth, activated charcoal, like many whitening products can be abrasive.

This has the potential to damage enamel on teeth. In fact, charcoal can have the adverse affect of staining teeth when it becomes stuck in cracks in the teeth and embedded at the extremity of fillings.

In conclusion, “whitening toothpastes have limited results and you may need to speak to your dentist about effective alternatives...” says The ADA.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental