This Product Instantly Whitens Teeth, Despite What It Seems
Activated charcoal is a trending topic on social media, especially for teeth whitening but not limited to it. Find out what's so special about it, how to use it, where to buy it, and what to watch out for.
For those of you who have heard and those who haven't, activated charcoal is a very popular topic these days on social media, primarily known for teeth whitening but not only.
Many use it as a mask for facial cleansing, as a nourishing hair mask, and more, but when dentist Dr. Steven Lin writes in his book that it is "extremely effective for teeth whitening," we have no choice but to believe him. "Although this information is relatively new to us, activated charcoal has been used in ancient medicine for ages," he writes, explaining that the substance gained recognition in 1834 by an American doctor who used activated charcoal to save the life of a patient who accidentally ingested mercury chloride.
"Activated charcoal is a black powder made from coal, as well as coconut shells, sawdust, or olive pits. The charcoal is processed at high heat which 'activates' it, changing its chemical structure and transforming it from regular charcoal to activated charcoal. This process also removes other harmful materials to humans."
Additional benefits, based on studies by Dr. Lin and others:
- Improves kidney function by helping to filter waste from the body.
- Assists in lowering the body's bad cholesterol levels.
- Highly effective in purifying skin pores from oils, including the removal of acne.
- Often used as an emergency treatment for poison ingestion.
Despite the miracles it performs, the American Dental Association has yet to approve charcoal products as part of the products marketed by them in local pharmacy networks. "However, observations suggest that using activated charcoal for teeth whitening is highly effective in removing plaque and other compounds that stain teeth," writes Dr. Lin in his book.
What should you be cautious of?
Because it contains strong and dominant components, do not use activated charcoal more frequently than once a week.
Use it carefully and ensure it does not drip onto uncovered surfaces (especially white ones) because you might need many hours of scrubbing with bleach to remove it.
Where to find it?
In select natural health stores.
