In today’s digital age, a quick search on Pinterest, YouTube, or TikTok can reveal countless at-home hacks for nearly everything, including oral health. From using household items to create DIY teeth whitening pastes to brushing with activated charcoal, there’s no shortage of influencers advocating for do-it-yourself dental solutions. But what are the real consequences of DIY dentistry? While the idea of achieving a brighter smile from the comfort of your home may be tempting, the dental risks of DIY teeth whitening and other home remedies far outweigh the potential benefits. Without proper knowledge or supervision, these methods can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

The Dangers of DIY Dentistry: What You Need to Know

With the growing popularity of online beauty and health trends, DIY dentistry risks have surged. Some individuals attempt to treat cavities with super glue, adjust braces with rubber bands, or whiten their teeth using baking soda, lemon juice, and activated charcoal. Unfortunately, these approaches can lead to serious oral health complications. The impact of oral health on overall well-being means that such unsafe practices not only harm the mouth but can also affect general health and quality of life.

Potential risks of DIY dental treatments include:

• Enamel erosion
• Gum recession risk or burns
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Misaligned bite from unsupervised orthodontic attempts
• Infections or abscesses due to unsanitary tools
• Permanent tooth damage or loss

Most of these procedures are promoted without scientific backing or clinical testing. Worse, many individuals only seek professional dental help after complications have developed, so more invasive treatment is required.

The Promise

These DIYers claim that brushing with activated charcoal is an all-natural way to remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or red wine without bleach or abrasives. All you have to do is brush with activated charcoal, and you’ll receive brighter white teeth after as few as one use. In online testimonials, users suggest that this “natural whitening” method works quickly and doesn’t harm the enamel. But these claims raise a critical question: Is brushing with activated charcoal too good to be true?

How Does Activated Charcoal Work?

Activated charcoal is a purifying agent that absorbs contaminants. This chalky substance has been used in items like heavy-duty air filters and to absorb the accidental ingestion of poisonous materials (such as bleach and drugs). Activated charcoal’s enormous surface area covers hundreds of nooks and crannies that draw in and trap toxic substances in your gut like a sponge. This absorption reduces the amount of harmful substances being absorbed by the body by 47%. In theory, this absorbent nature might seem ideal for removing stains on your teeth, but the mouth and digestive system function very differently.

What Does That Mean for Your Teeth?

The thought process is if activated charcoal can remove toxins from our body and skin, shouldn’t it be able to remove those unsightly stains from our teeth? While it may seem logical, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting activated charcoal's effectiveness or safety for teeth whitening. The gritty texture may lead to micro abrasions on the enamel, contributing to long-term risks.

What the Science Says

According to Kim Harms, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, “There’s no evidence at all that activated charcoal does any good for your teeth,”. She goes on to say that activated charcoal may be HURTING your teeth! “Like any abrasive, we’re worried about the effects on the gums and enamel on the teeth. We don’t know about its safety and effectiveness,” she says. The American Dental Association (ADA) has not approved any activated charcoal-based products for teeth whitening. Without ADA approval, using these products comes with significant DIY dentistry risks, including enamel erosion, gum damage, and increased tooth sensitivity.

Schaumburg Dental Studio

Bummer. If you’d still like to brighten those pearly whites, please visit our office for a consultation. Dr. Jig Patel can point you in the right direction regarding the products or services you need to achieve your smile goals. Our teeth whitening treatments are safe, effective, and professionally supervised to suit your unique dental needs. Unlike unreliable DIY methods, our clinically supported solutions protect your enamel while delivering noticeable, long-lasting results. Explore more in our blog, A Brief History of Dentistry, to understand how modern dental care has evolved, including advanced whitening techniques.

Book a Consultation Today

If you're considering teeth whitening and want to avoid the teeth whitening risks associated with DIY products, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jig Patel. We’ll assess your needs and recommend a customised treatment plan that works best for you.