You may (or may not) have heard of this newfangled product called charcoal teeth whitening. It’s all the rage for bloggers from WellnessMama to Bustle…but is this product doing more harm than good?

Charcoal Teeth Whitening May Deteriorate Enamel

The American Dental Association has not evaluated or approved any charcoal whitening products. A spokesperson for the ADA expressed concerns about charcoal teeth whitening because the abrasiveness of these products isn’t known. There are many different types of “natural” charcoal whitening products on the market, and most (if not all) have *not* been studied, so there is little evidence to know whether these products are effective or even potentially dangerous.

Enamel Can’t Be Replaced

Approved whitening products get down to the inner layer of your tooth known as the dentin, and since no one really knows the severity of the charcoal whitening products, they may actually leave your teeth more stained and blotchy. Additionally, if these products strip away your enamel, this can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Once enamel is lost, it can’t be replaced.

For Effective Teeth Whitening, Talk to Your Dentist

For the most safe, effective teeth whitening, you need to talk to a professional. At Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics, we provide professional teeth whitening using KöR® Deep Bleaching™ system and we also have take-home kits for the power of professional teeth whitening that can be done in your own home. If you would just like recommendations for other whitening products, then ask us at your next appointment, we’ll be glad to help!