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Charcoal for Whitening?

August 27, 2018 by VA Dentist Leave a Comment

There is a constant stream of new health and beauty products that claim to make us look or feel better. Many consumers appear to be interested in all natural products that would reduce their exposure to synthetic chemicals and have a more gentle impact on the environment. Activated charcoal is a trendy “miracle” ingredient featured in skincare products and now making it’s way into toothpaste! Sounds a little counterproductive, rubbing something black on your teeth to make them white, right? Proponents of this whitening method recommend crushing charcoal tablets and adding water to form a paste-like consistency. There are also several pre-mixed charcoal toothpastes available. Directions instruct you to apply and allow it to sit 3-5 minutes and then simply rinse the paste and stain causing toxins away. When offering my opinion on charcoal for tooth whitening, I address two important questions; will it work and is it safe?
 
In theory, yes charcoal might help remove certain stains from your teeth. Charcoal is a porous molecule, think of it like a bath sponge with pockets. These pockets give it the ability to trap toxins, chemicals, and nutrients. If the charcoal is applied to the tooth it may trap whatever is causing a stain on the surface and then everything is flushed away when rinsed. It is worth mentioning that not all stains are superficial and charcoal will not be able to combat internal staining or teeth which are “naturally yellowing”. There are people who rave that using charcoal gave them a bright white smile, but just as many who claim it did nothing but stain their sink. I could not find any clinical studies showing charcoal’s efficacy as a whitening agent. Nor could I find any research comparing patient results to previously used methods such as whitening toothpastes, rinses, or bleaching kits.
 
So science supports the possibility of charcoal as a whitening agent, but it doesn’t sound that appetizing, could it be safe? Charcoal itself is not toxic to the human body. In fact, it is often used as a detoxifying agent if someone accidentally ingests poison. The danger lies in the damage charcoal may have on the enamel. Charcoal is abrasive and can erode the enamel on the surface of your teeth, particularly if applied aggressively. When the enamel is removed, teeth become more sensitive and susceptible to decay. In addition, the dentin layer underneath the enamel has a darker yellow hue, so efforts to whiten may actually cause the teeth to look darker. Some people report black stains on their gums and sensitivity after prolonged use. Keep in mind, most charcoal products do not contain fluoride whereas other whitening toothpastes often do. Fluoride is the decay-fighting ingredient recommended by dentists to restore enamel. Research also shows that charcoal can trap and flush out the beneficial minerals in our saliva. These minerals play a major role in cavity prevention by rebuilding and maintaining enamel health.
 
In closing, moderation is best if you plan to try charcoal products. Use of a gentle brushing technique and alternating with a fluoride containing toothpaste will help protect your enamel. Until research proves otherwise, I am not convinced that results will be any better or even consistent with other whitening methods and for me the risks outweigh the benefits.

Nikki Sparks, DDS, General Dentist at Virginia Family Dentistry Powhatan
Nikki Sparks, DDS
Nikki Sparks, DDS
General Dentist at VFD Powhatan

2625 Anderson Highway
Powhatan, VA 23139

Tel: (804) 598-3000

Filed Under: Dental Hygiene, Doctor Blogs, General Dentists

Dr. Brandon Wong in Mindo, Ecuador

July 18, 2018 by VA Dentist Leave a Comment

Our newest dentist to the practice, Dr. Brandon Wong, has just recently graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. For the past three years, he has gone on a week long dental mission trip to Ecuador. He has formed relationships with his patients and supports them through the year from back home in the US. We are so excited to have such a compassionate new dentist joining us in Richmond, Va! Here is a little recap of Dr. Wong’s trip to Ecuador:

Dr. Brandon Wong, DMD performing operation in Mindo, Ecuador
Brandon Wong, DMD
Dr..Brandon Wong, DMD having Lunch with Ecuadorian Students
Brandon Wong, DMD

Mindo Futures Medical Mission is a full medical mission that not only provides free dental care to the people of Mindo, but also provides services from Cardiology, to Rheumatology, to OBGYN, to general surgery. The mission operates under the idea that by using our skills, knowledge, and training we have acquired in the United States, alongside an enormous amount of love, we can strive, year after year, to change the lives of people in Mindo, Ecuador. The medical mission is only a small part of the organization. Mindo Futures- which operates year round in Mindo to revitalize the town, and support and inspire the upcoming generation- is run out of the local school/orphanage, where we work directly with the 400 kids that live on the campus.

Dr. Brandon Wong, DMD and Two Ecuadorian Students
Brandon Wong, DMD
Dr. Brandon Wong, DMD and Ecuadorian Student Dennis
Brandon Wong, DMD

Once we arrive to Mindo, it takes all of the clinics about half a day to set up our “pop up clinics” throughout the school’s campus. All of the equipment and materials we use are donated from back home in the States. Over the following 5 days, we see patients from about 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A vast majority of the people that we see are from Mindo, but patients come from long and far, by vehicle and by foot, to be seen. We saw patients that came all the way from Colombia! In our dental clinic, we did fillings, extractions, cleanings, and fluoride. We are, however, limited due to the lack of X-Rays. Our main goal is to get the patients out of pain.

Dr. Brandon Wong, DMD performing operation in Mindo, Ecuador
Brandon Wong , DMD

The attitude and demeanor of the patients we see in Ecuador is unlike any other. Many of these patients have hardly anything, but following a procedure, you are met with love, thankfulness, and a million hugs. It is a beautiful thing to see people who have no way to pay you back express just that with tears in their eyes, but the reality is that they have given me (and I believe I can speak for many people on our team) so much more than I could ever give them.

Dr. Brandon Wong DDS, friends, and family with Ecuadorian student
Brandon Wong DDS

There is an incredible amount of need for help there, and seeing these patients reminds me of the real reason why I chose dentistry as a profession- to directly impact the lives of those who need it most. I was left with a quote from one of the students who said, “el mejor medico es el que inspira esperanza” which means “the best doctor is the one who inspires hope.” I am honored to have served for my third year in Mindo, Ecuador, and hope to continue to serve in the future.


Brandon Wong, DMD, General Dentist at Virginia Family Dentistry Atlee and Mechanicsville
Brandon Wong, DMD
Brandon Wong, DMD
General Dentist at VFD Atlee and VFD Mechanicsville

10500 Atlee Station Road
Ashland, VA 23005

Tel: (804) 550-3324
 

6353 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Tel: (804) 730-3400

Filed Under: Children's Dental Health, Dental Hygiene, Doctor Blogs, Uncategorized

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