Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Over the past few years, activated charcoal has attracted quite a bit of attention in the media. It is commonly used in emergency rooms across the U.S. to treat and reverse some types of poisonings. It is not a naturally occurring substance. Instead, it is made from sources such as coal, wood, or coconut shells. It becomes “activated” through a heating process. The benefits of activated charcoal include its high adsorption capacity.
Activated charcoal traps unwanted chemicals in its tiny pores. This occurs through a process called adsorption. Positively charged toxins attach themselves to the negative charge of activated charcoal.
Proponents say using activated charcoal offers many oral hygiene benefits, including the prevention of cavities, bad breath and gum disease. Online you’ll see people using activated charcoal to whiten their teeth. It works wonderfully to remove the tiny particles that cause stains. However, it may not work on your crowns or veneers.
On the other hand, charcoal is mildly abrasive. There is no evidence that it affects stains below the tooth enamel. To effectively whiten teeth, a product must work on surface stains. It also needs to target intrinsic stains, which are below the enamel. Despite some limitations, the benefits of using activated charcoal for oral care are numerous.
Our Top Picks for Activated Charcoal Products include:
Remember, brushing with activated charcoal is not intended to replace your normal oral care routine. It should only be done a few times a week to see results. The benefits of activated charcoal are best seen when used appropriately.
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