If you’ve paid any attention to the wellness industry and social media lately, might have seen ads for activated charcoal. We’re not talking about the charcoal that you throw into your barbecue to grill. Activated charcoal is a black powder made from coconut shells and has powerful detoxifying effects. Since 1834, people have discovered new uses activated charcoal, like preventing drug overdoses. Activated charcoal binds to toxins, so it can be used as an emergency poison treatment.

Today, the wellness industry is promoting activated charcoal as a natural way to whiten teeth. But does this method of teeth whitening work? Your Westchester cosmetic dentist has researched this and found some pretty interesting results.

What Does “Activated” Mean?

Activated charcoal is a finely milled black powder. The charcoal is processed with high heat, which “activates” it. This will change its internal structure, making it more porous than regular charcoal. More porous means more absorption power.

Since activated charcoal has a porous texture, this adds to its efficiency and it can trap and remove unwanted substances. Activated charcoal can absorb toxins and free radicals both in and outside of your body.

What Does This Mean For My Teeth?

Teeth whitening has become a huge industry over the last decade. People are always finding new ways to whiten teeth. From dental office treatments to DIY home remedies, it is clear that a white smile is a desired trait.

Teeth whitening has become a huge industry over the last decade. People are always finding new ways to whiten teeth. From dental office treatments to DIY home remedies, it is clear that a white smile is a desired trait. While the FDA has approved activated charcoal for many health benefits, the American Dental Association has not currently approved any activated charcoal products for dentistry.

Can I Use Activated Charcoal?

You can use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth, but use it in moderation. Teeth do not regrow or replenish. Once enamel is gone, it’s gone. So using it too much could wear down the enamel and harm your teeth. The whitening ability exists because it is porous, but it can also be too abrasive. So, your Westchester cosmetic dentist recommends you find a charcoal toothpaste that isn’t abrasive, and use it once a week. You should still use a regular toothpaste every day.

As with any at home remedy, use with caution and in moderation. If you have any questions about this or any other dental concerns please give our office a call today. As one of the best dentists in Westchester we can answer any questions you may have and provide a safe guide to your teeth whitening needs.

Bleachorexia is an unhealthy obsession with whitening one’s teeth. Unfortunately this term is not unheard of today. Whitening your teeth too often can be really bad for your dental health, especially if you aren’t seeing a cosmetic dentist in Westchester. Teeth whitening has become a big business. Americans spend billions on teeth whitening products annually, and in dentists’ offices, bleaching is the most requested procedure among patients aged 40 to 60, according to a survey conducted by the ADA. Teeth whitening toothpastes are now more popular than any other kind.

What does Excessive Teeth Whitening Do To My Teeth?

Excessive teeth whitening can have lasting consequences on your health. In a 2002 University of Southern California School of Dentistry survey of 100 people, 50% experienced mild to moderate sensitivity after using an over-the-counter-strength whitening gel. Dentists all around the world are working hard to identify who makes a good candidate for teeth whitening and who should skip the procedure. The answers are becoming more clear but researchers are also uncovering what may be the true hazard of whitening- overuse of chemicals inside the whitening products.

Can I get Teeth Whitening From a Professional?

Many adults worry that even professional teeth whitening will damage their enamel, we want to assure our patients that there’s nothing to fear. Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, consumer advisor for the ADA and an associate professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry said “There’s overwhelming evidence that, when used as directed, bleaching does not causes permanent damage to the teeth or gums.”

How Often Can I Get Teeth Whitening?

Studies are showing that it’s safe to undergo a course of bleaching once or twice a year. The bleaching can be 2 weeks with a drugstore method or a dentist-prescribed night guard, or a single in-office power bleaching session. But your Westchester cosmetic dentist cautions against bleaching more than that. In addition to tooth sensitivity, dentists are reporting side effects including gum irritation, bluish enamel, and uneven whiteness. These side effects, however, usually clear up within a couple of weeks, provided you stop using the chemicals. But many people don’t stop when they should. This is unfortunate because it just causes them to have more pain and uncomfortable side effects.

Avoid Bleachorexia–Get Professional Teeth Whitening Today!

Bleaching can be harmless if done by a professional cosmetic dentist. Our Westchester dentist always has the needs of his patients in mind and will be able to help you decide if teeth whitening is a good option for you. If you are looking for services to help with your teeth whitening in Westchester, schedule an appointment with us today! We are experienced and serious about helping our patients. Give our office a call today.

There are lots of teeth staining foods that most of us are aware of and we try to stay away from them as much as possible. Things like coffee, red wine, and beer are some of the best-known causes. But did you know that there are foods that can help whiten your teeth? And, you can eat them too!

Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

We have lots of patients looking for teeth whitening in Westchester. While we provide excellent cosmetic dentistry, we also want you to know about natural ways to whiten your teeth between appointments. Raw vegetables and fresh fruits contain key ingredients that prevent decay and combat hard-to-remove plaque. Don’t believe us? Try them for yourself.

• Broccoli

  This crunchy veggie, when eaten raw, can act as a mini toothbrush. When you eat broccoli, the stems scrape away plaque and foods accumulated during the day. And, the iron found in broccoli can also strengthen tooth enamel.

• Oranges

  Did you know that you can use an orange peel? Unlike most other citrus fruits, orange peels are not acidic. Within the peel of the orange fruit is a unique variant of vitamin C that can be used as a gentle alternative to synthetic whiteners! Using it is quite simple. Wash the orange peel in clean water. Take the white interior and rub it along your teeth to naturally whiten your teeth.

• Strawberries

  Combine strawberry paste with baking soda. It allows the malic acid in the strawberry to whiten your teeth. Don’t forget to brush afterward though, berries have lots of sugar that can decay teeth!

• Carrots

  Crunchy carrots provide an abrasive surface that can scrape away plaque along the gum line. Try biting one in half and rubbing it across your teeth for an even cleaner finish!

• Cheese

  Lactic acids in cheeses will help guard teeth against future decay. Chose cheese that’s hard to slice, like aged gouda. The hardened surfaces can also nix stains that are caused by the build-up of food particles.

Get Teeth Whitening Today!

We hope you have fun using and sharing our natural teeth whitening secrets! While it is a great alternative, it might not always be the fastest option. For some of the best cosmetic dentistry in Westchester, come to our office for a teeth whitening session! Our dentists provide beautiful, long-lasting results in just a few appointments. Give us a call now to learn more!