As someone who is always excited to try a new natural remedy or routine, I was excited when I started hearing about using activated charcoal to brush teeth with. I had been doing oil pulling and was happy with the results of that, so I am all for throwing another thing into my dental routine. I had first seen this on Pinterest, unfortunately I can’t remember exactly what website I was led to, but it got me thinking. Should I be giving this a shot?
The problem with many whitening toothpastes out there is the fact that you end up with something that can potentially make your teeth more sensitive if they are already like mine. I always worry about that since it can be quite painful to have sensitive teeth.
Let’s look at what I have discovered while trying out activated charcoal on my teeth.
Brushing Teeth with Activated Charcoal
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is completely different from the kind you use in your BBQ in the summer. It is charcoal that is processed and pressed with oxygen and zinc. It is the same stuff hospitals give to people for overdoses and poisoning (yes, for “stomach pumping”). It is safe to take. The reason it works is it binds to toxins and your body and on your teeth and removes them.
How to use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth
This was a trial and error sort of thing for me. I will make one warning so maybe you can avoid it if you are going to give this a try: it’s messy. There’s no way really around it. It will get everywhere. However, I did find some ways after doing it several times to lessen the amount of mess. Here’s my tips:
1. Open the capsules into something like a wide rimmed glass or bowl. They can be hard to open and if you don’t try to contain the mess, you will end up with it spread everywhere and possibly flying up in the air.
2. Wet your brush before applying the charcoal. It will help it stick better.
3. When you spit, do it under running water.
4. Use a different toothbrush than the one you used for brushing with the charcoal for your regular brushing. It is very hard to get completely off your brush.
My thoughts on the process:
I had visibly whiter teeth after just one brushing session. I am excited to see how much brighter they get over time.
The charcoal does not taste like anything, so if you are worried it will taste like a campfire in your mouth, never fear. There was also no grittiness as I expected there to be.
You will want to brush your teeth as you normally would after to completely remove the charcoal from your teeth and gums.
Activated Charcoal* is pretty cheap online. I found it for less than $5 with shipping. When I tried to buy it locally, I was looking at twice that amount.
This is my results after the 1st time. I see a difference here. I hope they continue to get whiter!
From looking online, this can cause some sensitivity in some people’s teeth. You should NOT do this as a daily thing for a long period of time. It is only for a “boost” in whitening for short periods of time just as with other whitening products as it isn’t nessisary to do for maintenance.
Do you brush your teeth with activated charcoal? I would love to hear your thoughts!
*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for making purchases through these links as it helps support what I do on my blog!
**This post is for informational purposes only and should not replace talking with your doctor or dentist. This information is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose any condition. Please seek a professional opinion before starting any home remedy mentioned on this blog.
The post Brushing Teeth with Activated Charcoal appeared first on Saved By Grace.