Videos and notes have appeared in recent months that discuss the alleged properties of activated carbon for teeth whitening. Several dentists, including the president of the General Council of Dentists, Óscar Castro Reino, have strongly denied such information.
Castro Reino said the claims that ensure that activated carbon whitens teeth are not only false, but also pose serious risks to oral health. The expert also stressed the importance of consulting with oral health professionals, rather than giving credit to the unsubstantiated information circulating through social networks.
He added that activated carbon is a highly abrasive substance, so it can cause severe tooth problems. He noted that it is as if an sandpaper is passed through the teeth. The worst part is that it doesn’t even serve to make whiter teeth.
Activated carbon
Dr. Óscar Castro Reino said that activated carbon is a substance that is obtained thanks to a chemical process in which coconut husk is used. This material is extremely aggressive and, when applied to the teeth, can significantly wear tooth enamel.
A worn tooth enamel creates great risks. The first is that the nerves are left more unprotected, and the consequence of this is greater dental sensitivity. Also, activated carbon is so aggressive that it can also reach the gums.
The most paradoxical is that, by rubbing activated carbon on the denture and wearing down the tooth enamel, what is visible is a layer called dentin. Dentin has a more yellowish color than natural enamel. That is to say, finally, not only risks to oral health are generated, but also the bleaching effect is not achieved.
The color of the teeth
The expert also insisted on the fact that the teeth do not have a white color as such, but that their natural tone is ivory. Likewise, genetic factors, as well as the consumption of certain substances such as tea, coffee or tobacco, causes that natural tone to be modified.
Not having ultra-white teeth does not mean that there are hygiene problems, or that there is a defect. It is just normal. Castro emphasized that the important thing is oral health and not the deceptive aesthetic effects that are also dangerous.
It is advisable to brush your teeth at least twice a day, with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Also, go regularly to consultations with the dentist and follow their instructions. The dentist is the ideal professional to apply teeth whitening processes.