When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a few different ways to go about it. You can choose from over-the-counter gels or strips, in-office treatments like Zoom! Whitening or professional bleaching, or even at-home kits that use hydrogen peroxide or baking soda to help lighten your smile. But what if you’re looking for something more natural?
Enter activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for all sorts of ailments, including digestive issues and even skin conditions like acne. But did you know that activated charcoal can also be used as an effective teeth whitener? It might sound strange at first, but when it comes to lightening your smile, this black powder is the perfect solution. If you want to learn more about how to use activated charcoal as a teeth whitener, keep reading!
Read on to learn more about How To Use Activated Charcoal As Teeth Whitener, Do Teeth Whitening Pens Work and Teeth Whitening Pen Side Effects
How To Use Activated Charcoal As Teeth Whitener
Did you know that 80 percent of Americans want whiter teeth? Are you part of this group yourself?
There are lots of strategies you can use to whiten your teeth, from professional sessions to at-home whitening. These techniques are effective, but they’re not always good for your teeth. If you want a whiter smile in a more natural way, consider activated charcoal teeth whitening instead.
Never heard of this? Not sure how it works or if it’s a good fit for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to use activated charcoal to whiten teeth.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a highly absorptive substance. It’s often made from coconut shells, hardwood trees, or other materials.
It’s a common ingredient in everything from air and shower filters to deodorant and toothpaste.
Activated charcoal is 100 percent alkaline and very electrically charged. It puts out a negative ionic charge, which attracts positively charged substances (this includes toxins and even poison).
Activated charcoal is able to hold up to 2000 times its weight in toxic substances. When you use products that contain it or consume it on its own, it pulls toxins out of the body.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
Because of its detoxifying properties, activated charcoal is a popular ingredient used in toothpaste and other teeth cleaning products. You can also whiten your teeth with it on its own, as it helps to pull out toxins from the mouth, leaving behind fresh breath and stain-free teeth.
There are lots of reasons to consider taking a charcoal teeth whitening DIY approach, including the following:
- It gets rid of superficial stains (from coffee, tea, wine, etc.) by absorbing them to make your teeth appear whiter
- It eliminates built-up plaque and freshens the breath
- It’s safe and all-natural, so you won’t be exposed to ingredients that have the potential to cause harm
If you’re someone who prefers using natural products and has concerns about other teeth whiteners, activated charcoal is a safe and effective option to try.
How to Use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth
Now that we’ve addressed the basics like “what is activated charcoal?” and “why would you want to use activated charcoal for teeth whitening?” let’s dive into the meat of the matter. If you want to use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth, you ought to take the following steps to ensure you see the best results:
Gather Your Materials
Start by collecting all the materials you need to whiten your teeth. This includes the following:
- Food- or supplement-grade activated charcoal powder or activated charcoal capsules (you can buy these online as well as at many health food and supplement stores)
- A toothbrush (some people prefer to use two when whitening their teeth, that way they have one for applying the charcoal and another for brushing the charcoal away afterward)
- A cup for rinsing the mouth
- A cloth for cleaning the sink
Some people use charcoal toothpaste to simplify the process. You can do this if you want, but you’ll likely see better results if you use straight activated charcoal on your teeth separate from your regular toothbrushing routine.
Brush Your Teeth
Now that you have all your equipment at the ready, it’s time to apply the charcoal and let it work its magic. Wet your toothbrush and then dip it into the activated charcoal powder. You can also break open an activated charcoal capsule and apply the powder directly onto the toothbrush.
Next, go ahead and brush your teeth the same way you would if you were using regular toothpaste. Make sure you’re applying the charcoal to all of your teeth.
When you’re brushing, be sure to use small circular motions and gentle pressure. You might find that your gums become irritated if you’re being too aggressive.
Let It Sit
Once you’ve coated your teeth in the activated charcoal, it’s time to let it sit so it can pull toxins out of the mouth and start getting rid of stains.
Most people wait for about two minutes before rinsing out their mouths. While the charcoal is doing its job of whitening your teeth, you could tackle another part of your nighttime routine, such as washing your face or taking off your makeup. Just be careful not to drip charcoal anywhere in your bathroom, as it could leave stains.
Rinse Thoroughly
When your two minutes are up, grab your cup and fill it up with water, then use it to rinse out your mouth. You may want to grab a second toothbrush and use it to brush away any remaining charcoal and ensure your teeth are 100 percent clean.
Your teeth will look a little scary after the charcoal has sat on them. Rest assured, though, that it’ll all be washed away and no black marks will be left behind.
After you’ve rinsed your mouth out and all the charcoal is gone, use a cloth to wipe down the sink and surrounding area. This will save you from any potential stains.
When Will I See Results?
Many people notice that their teeth appear whiter after one treatment with activated charcoal. However, it’ll take several rounds for you to see significant results, as is the case with other teeth whitening treatments. This is especially true if you have a lot of stains on your teeth.
If you’re consistent with this routine for a few weeks or months, you’ll likely see great improvements.
Do Teeth Whitening Pens Work
We all want to experience whiter teeth for a brighter smile, and many of us will go to great lengths to get there. There are so many different whitening products on the market that it can be difficult to navigate and understand what works and what doesn’t.
One such popular trend in the teeth whitening industry is a teeth whitening pen. Do teeth whitening pens work, and are they good for your teeth? While this simple, portable solution might seem like it’s whitening your teeth, it’s really only best for short-term results or maintaining an already white and bright smile.
In this guide, we will discuss more specifics so you know just what you can expect from using a teeth whitening pen and understand just how they work overall.
1. What is a teeth whitening pen?
A teeth whitening pen is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. These convenient pens can be carried on your person, whether you have them in your car, purse, or pocket. Each pen is filled with a whitening formula (this could vary by the manufacturer) designed to whiten your teeth on the go.
Most pens work by twisting to release the serum, just as you might twist a writing pen to release ink. The serum inside the pen will coat your teeth, helping to cover and reduce dark spots. You simply brush the top of the pen across your tooth surface and let it do the work.
The unique thing about whitening pens is they typically do not require any brushing or rinsing as part of the process. You just brush it on and go.
If you look at the details of the pens, you will find that most of them tell you that they work best when paired with other whitening products or when used to touch up challenging stains on your teeth.
2. How do teeth whitening pens work?
You will find that not all teeth whitening pens are made the same. They can contain a variety of different ingredients. However, most of them will be similar in function. Teeth whitening pens typically contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth and break up stains.
When you apply the whitening formula to your teeth using a pen, you may notice bubbling on the surface. That is a sign that the whitening is working, but there remains some question as to how long it works or how effective it is overall.
When you use the pen, it is meant for touch-ups or use in between other whitening processes. For example, if your teeth are prone to stains, you could use a teeth whitening pen after drinking things like coffee or soda that are more likely to leave stains behind.
Teeth whitening pens work best as a maintenance response than used primarily as a whitening treatment on their own. It can help prevent some of those “sticky” foods and drinks from sticking as much to your teeth, keeping your teeth bright.
3. Benefits of Teeth Whitening Pens
There are some great benefits to teeth whitening pens. If you’re looking for lasting and strong results, you will need to pair the teeth whitening pen with other whitening solutions. However, for quick results and on-the-go solutions, teeth whitening pens can be really helpful.
Check out these benefits of teeth whitening pens.
- Affordable solution. A teeth whitening pen is often affordable, and you can typically find them at your local drug store. If you want whitening capabilities that won’t cost a lot, this could be a good solution. It might also be good for upkeep if you have used other more expensive solutions.
- Simplicity. Using a teeth whitening pen is easy and convenient. You don’t need to let it sit, and you don’t need extra accessories or an appointment. You simply brush on the solution at your convenience and avoid food and drink for 20-30 minutes. Apply it whenever and wherever you please.
- Effective application. If you use a high-quality whitening pen, it can be effective for reducing stains, covering hard-to-handle stains, and providing maintenance between other techniques. It is effective as a short-term solution and quick fix.
- Gentle to use. Teeth whitening pens are gentle on your teeth for the most part. You will want to pay attention to active ingredients, but these typically will not cause added sensitivity to your teeth like some whitening solutions might.
4. Downsides to Using Teeth Whitening Pens
There are always downsides to be aware of with any product, and the same rings true of teeth whitening pens. While they do work effectively for short-term and spot use, their capabilities are limited.
Here are some potential downsides to using teeth whitening pens.
- The results are short-lived
- Saliva can easily break down the active ingredient
- It’s not a sustainable option for long-term results
- Teeth whitening pens may reduce your tooth enamel
- The formula or serum in the pens can sometimes cause gum irritation
- Teeth whitening pens might cause sensitivity
- Whitening might be inconsistent or uneven
5. Do Teeth Whitening Pens Really Work?
Essentially, teeth whitening pens really can work, but keep in mind that they are best when used as a quick fix or as a maintenance tool as opposed to the ultimate whitening solution. Most times, teeth whitening pens will need to be paired with other whitening processes to be effective.
6. Final Words
Teeth whitening pens certainly can have a time and place that they will work for you. We recommend that you pair this solution with some other process and rely on the pen for spot fixes and upkeep rather than your only whitening process.
Teeth Whitening Pen Side Effects
Harmful Effects of Using Teeth Whitening Pens
Teeth whitening pens are a convenient way of having whiter teeth without much effort. A fifteen minutes application will leave you with a brighter smile. However, the wrong use of a teeth whitening pen could result in side effects some of which are listed below:
- Destruction of the enamel: continued use of a teeth whitening pen will result in the damage to the tooth enamel. The damage caused cannot be reversed and this may lead to bacterial infections that will further damage the teeth.
- Irritation of the gums: Every time you use a teeth whitening pen, a portion of the whitening gel will get to the gums and with time, the gums will suffer from irritations and severe pain. You should ensure that you wipe off any whitening gel that touches the gums to avoid such effects.
- Teeth sensitivity: Prolonged use of teeth whitening pens will eventually make the teeth sensitive as a result of the erosion by the whitening gel. Some of the pens that contain hydrogen peroxide should be used for some time and breaks should be taken in between to avoid damaging the enamel.
- It may lead to uneven whitening of the teeth especially when some of the teeth are artificial. This is because teeth whitening agents will not work on artificial teeth unless you decide to change the artificial enamel and get one that matches the current teeth shade.
- If you use a teeth whitening pen when some of the teeth have cavities, the gel may get to the roots and gum leading to further damage to the teeth.
All teeth whitening pens should be used with caution to avoid damaging the tooth enamel and the gums as well. It will be important to consult a dentist before you use any whitening product so that he can detect any dental problem that could be made worse by teeth whitening pens.