Warning about the risks of activated carbon for oral health
Activated carbon has a high abrasive capacity, which can cause severe problems for teeth and gums.
The obsession for aesthetics and showing off artificially white teeth has allowed the recommendations of the so-called influencers to penetrate specific nuclei of society despite not having any scientific evidence. Specifically, the case of activated carbon and the videos circulated on social networks, where people appear to brush their teeth with this "miracle" product and claim that it removes stains and whitens the enamel quickly and economically.
We at Dental Office warn that these claims are false and add that using activated carbon on teeth can cause severe problems for oral health, as it is a material obtained from a chemical process with coconut shells that is very abrasive to the teeth's enamel.
Activated carbon has a tremendous abrasive capacity as if we were sanding our teeth. When the natural enamel is worn away, several effects occur: the dentin is exposed, which is more yellowish than the enamel; tooth sensitivity is increased since the nerves of the teeth will be more unprotected, and the gums can also be damaged.
Safe whitening
We insist that the teeth are not pure white but an ivory shade that depends on genetic factors and each person's lifestyle. Thus, poor oral hygiene and the consumption of certain products can alter tooth staining. The most important thing is to maintain good oral health, brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and having regular check-ups with your dentist, who is also the right professional to advise you on the different types of dental whitening available.
Dental whitening is a sanitary process that must be carried out under the supervision of a dentist. Also, before undergoing this treatment, the patient must have a dental check-up to rule out any pathology, such as cavities or gum problems.
Finally, the dentist must be trained to handle the whitening agents used for this treatment - hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide - following an appropriate protocol for diagnosis, planning the procedure, and maintaining the results. Similarly, the professional must know the contraindications and possible risks to communicate them to the patient, for example, gingival alterations and tooth sensitivity.
