Several years ago, someone from India shared with me a natural way to whiten teeth using charcoal, and I’ve been using this method ever since. Initially, I was quite doubtful that charcoal could actually whiten teeth. I already had some activated charcoal at home because it’s commonly used in hospitals for food poisoning, and with kids around, it’s handy to have on hand. However, I was concerned it might stain my teeth due to a mishap where it ended up on our kitchen floor and permanently marked the grout.
While there are toothpastes with activated charcoal, I found that using pure charcoal powder for an occasional deep clean is less messy. Activated charcoal is great at absorbing and removing toxins because it isn’t absorbed by the body; instead, it binds to chemicals and exits the system naturally.
Historically, there are tales of people consuming activated charcoal along with poisons like arsenic and surviving unharmed. Charcoal is effective at binding toxins, but it should be consumed within 30 minutes of ingestion for the best results in cases of poisoning. That said, it’s not ideal to take it with medications or vitamins that need to be absorbed.
Once, when I had severe food poisoning, I tried activated charcoal. Mixing a tablespoon of it in water and drinking it eased my symptoms within hours. While it worked swiftly for me, others might need to take it a few times for relief. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it regularly, as it can lead to constipation and reduce mineral absorption. If consumed excessively, it might cause dehydration, so staying hydrated is crucial.
Now, about using charcoal for teeth whitening: My initial concern was that it might stain my teeth since it stains nearly everything else. However, some quick research assured me that it works similarly to how it removes toxins: it pulls out stains from teeth. Just a heads-up, though, the sight can be startling as your mouth turns completely black during application.
After my first try, I was surprised that all traces of black washed away, leaving my teeth feeling incredibly clean and smooth. After several uses, I noticed my teeth were visibly whiter. I also learned that activated charcoal can positively change the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities and bacteria-related issues like gingivitis. Now, it’s part of my regular dental care routine, along with using remineralizing toothpaste.
Always consult your doctor or dentist before trying new oral treatments. For anyone curious, here’s the quick routine for using activated charcoal: it takes just about five minutes, though it can get a bit messy in the sink! Some people also mix it with water and swish it around for a couple of minutes.
Activated charcoal is available at most natural health stores and online in powder or capsule form. When using it for teeth, ensure it’s derived from wood or coconut, not petroleum. Only use food/supplement grade activated charcoal and avoid using other types like BBQ charcoal.
I’ve gotten various questions about this method. While I haven’t personally tested it on all enamel types, some people haven’t had issues, but it’s always best to consult your dentist. From what I’ve found, charcoal binds mainly to organic compounds, not minerals, so it likely won’t remove calcium from teeth. However, some dental professionals worry about its abrasiveness. If concerned, you can apply it with a finger or cotton swab for a gentler application instead of brushing.
Remember, activated charcoal mainly works on surface stains like those from coffee or tea, not discolorations from things like antibiotics. After a few months of use, along with occasionally rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide upon my dentist’s suggestion, I’m thrilled with the impact on my teeth.
Recently, I found a new product combining activated charcoal with LED light for tooth whitening. It’s tidier and more effective than charcoal alone and even works on the go by plugging into my phone.
I plan to keep using activated charcoal but am open to other natural whitening methods. If you’ve tried any, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Always remember, I’m sharing my personal experience, and it’s essential to talk with your doctor for advice tailored to you.
What do you think? Would you give this method a try for whiter teeth?
