Why You Should Choose Professional Teeth Whitening over Activated Charcoal

A quick YouTube or Google search will reveal just how popular the new teeth whitening trend of using activated charcoal really has become. Social media influencers claim that brushing with activated charcoal three times a week can help you achieve that Hollywood-worthy smile you’ve always wanted, but does it really work? Are there any negative side effects? Is it better or worse than whitening that I can get through my dentist? In this blog post, you’ll learn more about this DIY whitening solution and see how it measures up against proven professional teeth whitening in Kernersville.

Understanding Activated Charcoal

Throughout history, carbon or charcoal has been used for its antiseptic, filtering qualities. This substance attracts and absorbs toxins and bacteria, which is why many water filters contain little pieces of charcoal and why so many are exploring its potential for homeopathic treatments. Some people say and show through their videos that these properties also help remove the particles that stain the surfaces of teeth; however, the temporary result may come at a high price in the end.

Recognizing Problems with Activated Charcoal

Even if activated charcoal does whiten your teeth in the short term, the long-term effects can end up hurting your smile. Activated charcoal is very abrasive, and brushing with it on a regular basis can wear down your teeth’s enamel or the white, protective exterior. Unfortunately, once you lose enamel, there’s no way to get it back. As a result, the yellow layer of dentin beneath the enamel becomes more apparent, making your teeth appear more dull and discolored, especially over time. Also, with less enamel to protect the tooth, you can experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Perhaps more importantly, you can suffer from cavities more frequently and with more intensity.

Choosing a Safe, Effective Way to Brighten Your Smile

The good news is that your cosmetic dentist in Kernersville offers a solution that can dramatically brighten your smile without putting your oral health or your teeth’s appearance at risk. Instead of using abrasive charcoal, your dentist uses a proven bleaching agent with customized trays to evenly distribute the solution. With all the convenience of DIY whitening but the power of professional whitening, a take-home whitening kit can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades in about two weeks with no negative long-term effects.

Ultimately, the potential for whiter results isn’t worth endangering your teeth and making them weaker against cavity-causing bacteria. In the long run, your smile will likely appear more yellow as a result of using activated charcoal. Instead, turn to your dentist for a safer, more reliable way to get the kind of smile that lights up a room. Want to learn more about take-home whitening? Contact your dentist in Kernersville.

About the Author

To better serve Kernersville families, Dr. Zack Walker joined his mother, Dr. Veronica Walker, in her practice after he completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program in Elizabeth City through the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. To schedule an appointment with him, you can call (336) 993-3727 or click here.