Just because we’re natural mamas doesn’t mean that we don’t care about beauty. And I for one want to have a great smile with white teeth.

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Using conventional whiteners or going to the dentist for pricey whitening treatments isn’t something I want to do.

These treatments usually involve hydrogen peroxide or a similar whitening agent. And, while those ingredients are not necessarily toxic, they can cause gum irritation, tooth pain, and overall sensitivity. If these treatments are used excessively, teeth can become porous and enamel can break down (source).

Instead, I use activated charcoal to whiten my teeth. 

Activated Charcoal – Weird Way to Whiten Teeth Video

DIY Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening

What you need to whiten teeth with activated charcoal:

  • 1 old toothbrush (or one you don’t mind getting black)
  • 1 capsule of activated charcoal (I use this brand)
  • Cup
  • Water

Activated charcoal teeth whitening directions:

  • Wet your toothbrush well.
  • Place toothbrush on top of a napkin, piece of toilet paper, or paper towel.
  • Gently twist open your activated charcoal capsule.
  • Carefully empty activated charcoal powder onto toothbrush
  • Start brushing! It will be a little bit “powdery” at the beginning, but your saliva will soon take over and spread the powder everywhere. You could also add a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush and dip into the charcoal powder if you prefer.
  • Gently brush for 3 to 5 minutes. Spit periodically into your cup, rather than sink. This will make clean up easier!
  • Rinse your mouth well with water. Be sure to brush your tongue, too. (It will get black!)
  • Dump your spit cup into the toilet and flush.
  • Clean any excess powder residue on your sink with a baby wipe.

How Often to Use Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening

I recommend using activated charcoal to whiten teeth once daily, three days in a row. For more deeply stained teeth, brush with activated charcoal five days in a row. (You can even add some loose charcoal powder to your oil pulling routine for a daily cleansing and whitening boost.)

Wait a few months before repeating. Doing this routine about once a season is a good frequency.

How Activated Charcoal Helps Whiten Teeth

How can activated charcoal help whiten our teeth? One teaspoon of activated charcoal has the surface area of about 10,000 square feet. (source) This makes it highly absorbent, which means it can also pull out stains, bacteria, and toxins from our mouths.

Other Uses for Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal isn’t just for teeth whitening—it’s crazy powerful stuff with many incredible uses.

Poison control

In fact, most hospitals have activated charcoal on hand for poison control. And most mamas would be wise to have this supplement on hand in case of an accidental overdose within the home. (Of course, always seek medical care to be sure all of poison has been removed from body!)

Allergies

I also know people who use activated charcoal if they ingest allergens such as gluten or eat low-quality food on the road, as it helps reduce intestinal distress.

Because of its absorbent nature, it’s important to take activated charcoal 4 hours away from food, supplements, and prescriptions. It’s also not recommended as a daily supplement.

How About You?

Have you tried activated charcoal teeth whitening? What do you do to whiten your teeth naturally? Share with us!

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