Activated charcoal has become very popular, especially in teeth whitening, due to its distinctive properties. Let’s dive into what makes this substance effective in turning yellow teeth whiter.
What is teeth whitening using activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal, an ancient material with diverse applications, gained widespread recognition around the end of the 20th century. Its historical use dates back to 1834 when an American doctor used it to save a patient who had ingested mercury chloride. While activated charcoal is commonly associated with barbecuing, one of its safe and beneficial applications is tooth brushing.
Activated charcoal is a finely ground black powder derived from sources such as coconut shells, olive kernels, charcoal, or sawdust. When subjected to high heat treatment, it undergoes changes in its internal structure, becoming more porous than ordinary coal. In addition, it is processed to remove harmful substances and has chemical properties that make it useful in different situations.
A noteworthy property of activated charcoal is its negative electrical charge, which attracts positively charged molecules. This property proves effective in attracting toxins and gases, helping to remove them from the body through secretions.