Activated charcoal is different from the kind of stuff you throw on the grill. Charcoal becomes “activated” when high temperatures are mixed with gas. This combination causes it to expand and become porous, trapping the impurities around it. Activated charcoal has been used for years to treat a variety of medical problems. It can help absorb toxins if you accidentally ingest chemicals, relieve the itching of mosquito bites and reduce bloating. Activated charcoal is non-toxic. In fact, it is used by hospitals to treat poisoning, drug overdose and stomach problems as the porous substance soaks up toxins to keep them from being absorbed by the body. When the charcoal comes in contact with your teeth, surface stains caused by brightly colored substances, such as cola, soy sauce, coffee or wine, bind to the charcoal. Once you spit out the toothpaste your stains are gone, and your teeth are slightly whiter. Although activated charcoal may reduce cavities by altering the mouth’s pH level, most people like its whitening capabilities.
The oral health claim is that when activated charcoal is applied to the teeth, it whitens them by binding with rough materials on top, such as stains and plaque. When given enough time to stick to the teeth, the charcoal takes plaque, food particles and stains with it when removed. Various forms of charcoal available for oral hygiene are charcoal toothpaste, charcoal tooth powder, toothbrush infused with charcoal and even charcoal infused electronic toothbrushes.
Now lets burst a few myths regarding a charcoal infused toothbrush!
1. There are many available in the market but we believe the ones with a biodegradable bamboo handle are the best for you and the environment.
2. Plastic toothbrushes cause damage to our environment, especially our marine life. The number of plastic toothbrushes that are used and disposed around the world continues to rise and this amount of plastic will not break down in our lifetime. The Charcoal Toothbrush is made from mao bamboo, an environmentally sustainable timber. Mao bamboo grows in China’s forests at a rapid rate of one meter per day. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. It is naturally regenerative, requires minimal rain and grows without the use of harmful pesticides. The activated charcoal infused bristles are made from nylon. To effectively remove surface stains from your teeth we recommend brushing your teeth without toothpaste first. Then follow as you would normally brush your teeth with toothpaste. After brushing, rinse your charcoal toothbrush thoroughly and leave to dry after use.
3. To dispose of a charcoal toothbrush, you can return your charcoal toothbrush to the earth in compost or landfill. The bamboo will biodegrade into soil, without pollution. You can simply place your toothbrush into the soil in your backyard and it will naturally break down. Choose the Charcoal Toothbrush and be kind to the earth and your teeth.
But, as we all know, moderation is the name of the game. Everything in excess is opposed to nature, as rightly said by Hippocrates.
While activated charcoal is not harmful and has proven medicinal benefits most dentists advise to approach this teeth-whitening method with caution. If used too often, its abrasive texture can damage tooth enamel; therefore, people with recession of gum tissue or other tooth sensitivity issues should refrain from using this method. When enamel is worn away, unlike many other parts of the human body – that is it. Enamel does not grow back or heal itself like other organs do. Unfortunately, when you do damage to enamel, you are doing that permanently to a surface that will not regenerate. That is why it is so important to take care of the enamel you have! While everyone wants a bright white smile, the important thing is to make sure that smile is healthy. So make sure to brush, floss, eat a healthy diet and see your dentist regularly.