How does Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening work?
The activated charcoal pores bind with rough parts on teeth, usually surface stains and plaque, making it easier to remove the yellowing substances. Once the charcoal has been added for a long time and stick to your teeth, it can be removed and when it is, the mineral takes the plaque, food particles, and surface stains with it. This is how the activated charcoal processes work in whitening teeth – by getting rid of surface stains in one rinse.
However, because it latches onto grittiness found on the teeth, activated charcoal does not change the color of teeth that are deeply stained or naturally yellowing. For this, more drastic whitening measures need to be taken such as professional bleaching (done by a dentist).
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is just like regular charcoal we use to fire up roasted corn in Nigeria, however, it is specifically used for medical applications. It’s created by heating up charcoal using a gas that creates large pores in the mineral which trap chemicals. Activated charcoal is more traditionally used to treat intestinal gas, cholestasis during pregnancy, and lower cholesterol levels.
It’s also used to cure snake bite among others popular called ‘Epa-ijebu’ in Nigeria. Activated charcoal is odorless, tasteless, and can be purchased from health food stores in Nigeria pharmacies in the form of tablets.
Activated charcoal is extremely effective at binding to toxins from household chemicals, ingested medicines, and other chemicals from the body, especially when taken within 30 minutes of ingestion. it is a great first treatment for any kind of poisoning.
How To Use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth
- The first step in whitening your teeth with activated charcoal is to purchase the mineral from your local health pharmacy in Nigeria or online medicine store Generally, the mineral is sold in tablet form so the next step is to grind up 1-2 tablets, which is about 1-2 teaspoons worth, in a container. Once the charcoal is fine dust, add just enough water to form a paste.
- The second step is to Dip a clean, wet toothbrush into the powdered charcoal (or dump a capsule of charcoal on the toothbrush). Lean over the container of charcoal and quickly put the charcoal covered toothbrush in the mouth (this is to protect your sink). Brush in a little bit, making sure to only dab or tap the mixture onto teeth, rather than rubbing it too much, to avoid damaging your teeth. Leave the activated charcoal paste on your teeth for three minutes to ensure that it has had enough time to bind with surface stains on your teeth, spit carefully and rinse really well.
- Repeat. Recommended use is once per day.
Where to Get the Charcoal
Most pharmaceutical industry (Such s Pz Cussons nigeria) packs activated charcoal in loose powder or capsule form and it is also available online activated charcoal at jumia.ng. You can keep both the powdered and capsuled forms on hand for first aid kit just in case it is needed for poisoning and keep the powder in a small glass jar for tooth brushing. Make sure that the charcoal is from wood or coconut sources and not petroleum-based.
Is Activated Charcoal Safe?
Activated charcoal is safe to ingest, however, the abrasiveness of the mineral can damage the enamel of your teeth if it’s scrubbed against them. Be very careful to only lightly graze teeth when applying the activated charcoal to them so that you will not damage them. Do not perform this procedure if you have any open wounds, cuts, or abrasions.
Always consult your dentist before trying a procedure like this as you may not see the results you expect due to your specific situation. If you do not have a dentist or are looking for a new dental practice, you can find your perfect match by visiting Family dental care Lagos, Nigeria for the best dental treatment or one of this popular searches jiji.ng and find the dental clinics close to you.
Does Charcoal Remove Calcium From the Teeth?
Visit a dentist if you have concerns about your teeth and before using any substance to whiten them. From my findings, I notice that charcoal binds mostly to organic compounds and not minerals so, there should not be any problem using charcoal because it cannot remove calcium from your teeth.
Is Charcoal Too Abrasive for Teeth?
A dentist suggested that to be on a safer side simply paste the charcoal onto the surface of the teeth with a finger or cotton wool and letting it sit on the surface of the teeth for two minutes before gaggle with water and rinse off.
This would allow the charcoal to come in close contact with the surface of the tooth long enough to remove surface stains without the brushing or scrubbing method that i mentioned earlier, instead of brushing action that could be too abrasive.
Credit Sources
Wellness mama “whiten-teeth-naturally”
123Dentist’s “whitening-teeth-activated-charcoal”