Different dyes are constantly acting on teeth found in food, medicines, drinks, cosmetics. For this reason, the light shade becomes yellowish, and then darker, unnatural. But you can whiten your teeth with activated carbon. The rules for its use are described in the article.
Causes of Teeth Darkening
Enamel darkening is a common situation in dentistry. Often it has a domestic character. This comes from smoking, when the enamel becomes yellow and then turns brown. More teeth darken from drinking black tea, coffee, red wine. Prolonged contact of enamel with these liquids leads to the appearance of dark pigmentation due to natural dyes.
Another darkening appears:
- from fruit juices;
- sparkling water with dyes;
- caramel sweets;
- seasoning;
- soy and balsamic sauce;
- ketchup;
- beets;
- berries.
Dyes are present in many products. If you eat them every day, then this becomes the cause of discoloration of the teeth. A lot of means are used to whiten them. Activated carbon is effective.
The properties
The purification and neutralization of negative substances with charcoal is carried out in contact with water, so the liquid is an important part of the bleaching agent recipe. Coal cleans enamel due to abrasive action, but the powder is not able to absorb it; it removes enamel microparticles from the surface of the crown. If the teeth are healthy, then this is not dangerous if there are breaks after the procedure.
The cleansing effect of activated carbon for teeth was known in Russia. Pieces of the product were crushed in mortars, and then ground in the teeth. Now the composition of the tablets has changed markedly and consists not only of a wood base, but also of valuable organic substances. Coal with a nut shell and fruit pits is considered the best.
To achieve whitening, such a rich composition is optional, but for the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums it will be useful. Plaque is eliminated due to the abrasive effect of the tablets. He washes away even the dyes of coffee and tea, which will be noticeable in a half a month.
Benefits
According to reviews, activated carbon for teeth has helped many to improve their oral health. The tool is appreciated:
- for cheapness;
- quick action;
- elimination of old plaque from wine, cigarettes;
- security;
- availability;
- simplicity of recipes.
Dental cleaning methods in this case are less profitable in terms of cost and availability. But still, before using activated carbon for teeth, you should consult a specialist.
disadvantages
But the tool also has disadvantages:
- The main disadvantage is the negative effect on the enamel. The damage during frequent processing is great, since the powder abrases the protective surface. Therefore, microcracks appear, which gradually expand. From frequent tooth whitening with activated charcoal, their sensitivity is enhanced, minerals are lost, caries is formed. If there is a reasonable approach, then the risk is minimal. And if enamel strengthening procedures are carried out, the effect will be excellent.
- The disadvantage is the duration of the procedure. In addition to cleaning, it is necessary to remove coal from all areas that are not able to clean the rinse aid.
According to reviews, do not use activated carbon for teeth too often. Then the negative risks are minimal.
Contraindications
Compared to other bleaching methods, this is safe. Ingestion of pieces of tablets with liquid and saliva in the stomach will not have negative consequences even for children. On the oral mucosa, there is also no negative effect with small wounds.
You can not perform procedures for those who recently wore braces. In caution, the product should be used in the presence of sensitive teeth or with thinning of enamel on crowns. This also applies to caries owners, since the protective layer is thinned, and abrasive particles contribute to greater destruction.
Although brushing your teeth with activated charcoal is safe, it is advisable for children to choose a different whitening method. After all, their natural defense at a young age is destroyed much easier. And before the procedures you need to go to the dentist. The doctor will evaluate the condition of the oral cavity, so if refusal of coal is required, then you should listen to the advice of a specialist.
Recipes
Activated charcoal brushing is performed using a variety of recipes. The simplest method is to mix it with water. How to whiten teeth with activated charcoal? The resulting mass must be processed chewing organs, as with toothpaste. It is convenient to perform the procedure with a fingertip. If you use a toothbrush, then the pile should be soft. The crushed powder is always used, as it dissolves quickly.
In other ways, how to whiten your teeth with activated charcoal at home? The following recipes are used:
- Coal (1 tablet) should be mixed with pea paste (preferably with bleaching). Cleaning is carried out in the usual way.
- Cleaning is useful to combine with a decoction of oak bark. It has a positive effect on gums, and also brightens enamel. To prepare a decoction, it takes 3 tbsp. l dry bark, which is poured with 1 glass of water. Heated it in a water bath for 20-25 minutes.
- Coal (1 tablet) is diluted to a pasty state by adding 3 drops of lemon juice. The recipe should not be used with increased sensitivity of the teeth.
- Soda and charcoal cleanse the teeth to creak. The components are mixed in the same amount, water is added to a paste-like state, and then rubbed into the teeth. Cleansing is considered aggressive, therefore it is used only for single use.
- With honey, the powder has a mild cleansing effect. Another remedy disinfects, strengthens the gums, reduces sensitivity. It is enough to take 1 tsp. honey and 1 tablet of crushed coal.
Procedures with any prescription are performed 1 time, and then a break of 7-10 days is required. After the first treatment, the result should be evaluated. In the absence of time, you need to chew 1-2 tablets in your mouth, gnawing pieces in your mouth. But coal only acts in contact with water, so before processing and after it, rinsing the mouth with a warm liquid is required. According to reviews, activated. charcoal for teeth whitening does an excellent job of this task, and no worse than many professional products.
If bleeding occurs, add hydrogen peroxide (1 tbsp. L.) To the glass. The tool disinfects wounds, stops blood, but it is used only after cleaning the mouth of coal. Do not swallow this rinse aid. After treatment, the mucous membrane is rinsed with ordinary boiled water.
Banana Coal Method
This method is also considered effective. Many people know about the property of banana peels to bleach enamel. This ability is based on the fact that calcium is present in the soft structure of the inner side, which also has a bleaching function.
The soft structure of the inside of the peel is ineffective as an abrasive, the action is based on the properties of calcium. The disadvantage is perfectly compensated by ground coal.
A little coal is poured onto the banana peel, which allows you to get an effective tool for cleaning and whitening tooth enamel. It is only necessary to make cleaning movements. If necessary, prepare several of these tools and repeat the procedure. Then rinse your mouth with water.
For front teeth
This method is effective for the front teeth, as they are easier to reach. The coal tablet is crushed. It is necessary to cut off a bandage 10 cm long, fold it in half. Coal is poured into the central part. The bandage must be folded into a knot.
The bag should be moistened a little in the tooth elixir, and you can perform cleaning. Since there is more coal in the bag, it will act more efficiently. But the processing must be done carefully, as there is a chance of gum injury.
Enamel damage risk reduction
Activated carbon is considered a strong abrasive, so with frequent use it adversely affects tooth enamel. In order not to restore the enamel later, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- It is important to adhere to the daily routine of standard care, which includes rinsing the mouth, brushing, flossing.
- The powder is ground to fine dust so that large pieces do not scratch the tooth.
- Every day you need to eat solid foods.
- After each treatment, the break should be 7-10 days.
- Nutrition should include all trace elements, especially phosphorus and calcium.
- The brush is used with soft bristles or replaced with gauze, cotton. You can perform the procedure with your finger.
If white spots form, stop cleaning and then go to the dentist. This may be a symptom of the onset of caries. If the crowns have dark streaks after applying activated carbon, this is a violation of the integrity of the enamel. With delay, they increase.
Powder, ground to the teeth, is removed by rinsing, and floss is removed from hard-to-reach spots. Compliance with the rules makes the procedures safe and effective.
Toothpastes
There are special activated carbon toothpastes on sale. These funds help those who do not have whitening procedures. Pastes can achieve the desired result by returning the teeth to white. The most popular include:
- Splat Blackwood. The paste consists of an extract of juniper berries, a complex of active substances, Biosol antiseptic, Karelian birch coal. The tool makes the teeth white. It also serves as protection against the development of bacteria and plaque, providing fresh breath.
- Kobayashi sumigaki. The product consists of charcoal, glycerin, sorbitol, phosphate, sorbitol, glycerin, cellulose, menthol, quartz thickener. The paste perfectly eliminates plaque, polishes, whitens yellowness. She also perfectly absorbs pollution and removes pathogenic microbes.
- "Black night". The products are made from the hydrolyzate of mussels, silver ions, charcoal, silicon dioxide, pepper extract. The paste perfectly restores the whiteness of the teeth, gently cleanses, polishes, strengthens the dental tissue. She also eliminates bleeding and inflammation.
Thus, activated carbon is effective in whitening teeth. You can also purchase pasta based on it. If used properly, a positive effect is expected.