Ornelas Family Dentistry Blog

If you have stained or discolored teeth, you may be searching for a fast and efficient way to get a whiter, brighter smile. Activated charcoal toothpaste has been making headlines for its claims to do just that, but does it really live up to the hype? Here’s everything you need to know about this trendy new product.

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a porous, fine, black powder that is derived from super-heated coal and other natural products.  Historically, it has been used in emergency rooms to treat certain types of drug overdoses. Recently, however, it has been found in many toothpastes as an all-natural whitening agent.

How Does It Work?

According to manufacturer claims, activated charcoal is supposed to whiten your teeth because of its abrasive texture. Theoretically, the particles should scrub away stains, leaving behind gleaming white teeth, but unfortunately that’s not quite the end of the story.

The Dangers of Activated Charcoal

While it would be nice if there were truly a natural product that miraculously erased tooth stains while you brushed, this is simply not possible. The danger in activated charcoal toothpaste lies not in the fact that it’s ineffective, but in that it can harm your teeth. That’s because it can easily scratch your enamel, causing permanent damage, and while some may claim that their teeth seem whiter after using it, that can easily be attributed to the difference you’ll notice after the black paste has been removed, and the fact that you did just brush them.

How to Get Real Results

Now that you know what doesn’t work, you may be wondering what does. Thankfully, if you need a fast and effective way to whiten your teeth, your dentist can help! Professional teeth whitening can remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration in one treatment that takes about an hour. For those who would prefer to do it at home, your dentist offers DIY kits that include custom-fitted trays and activator gel that can provide the same results as in-office whitening over a few weeks. You can even purchase gel refills for occasional touch ups as needed. Professional whitening is safer for your teeth than trendy products like activated charcoal toothpaste, and it yields much more noticeable results.

Remember, while it would be great to whiten your teeth simply by brushing them, there is currently no product that can do this. Thankfully, professional whitening works quickly and effectively and can produce the results you want in as little as one treatment!

About Dr. Ornelas

Dr. Joe Ornelas understands that your smile is the key to your self-esteem, and being confident can help you excel in both your personal and your professional endeavors. That’s why he provides cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional teeth whitening to his patients, right here in Crown Point.

Don’t be fooled by so-called miracle whiteners that don’t work and could even harm your teeth. Schedule a consultation for a professional whitening treatment at Ornelas Family Dentistry by visiting our website or calling us today at 219-663-2892.

Did you know that at least 50% of adults have a form of gum disease? Although it is almost 100% preventable, it is a leading cause of tooth loss, but that’s not the only concern. Researchers have found several connections between gum disease and an increased risk of various health issues, including heart attacks, diabetes, and preterm delivery. However, new research suggests a connection between the infection and Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need to know to keep your gums healthy to support your brain health.

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Veneers are a popular cosmetic procedure because they provide dramatic improvement using a minimally invasive method. They can create a flawless smile to be proud of, but you must sacrifice some enamel. It’s normal to have concerns about tooth sensitivity from removing enamel, but there’s no reason to worry. Veneers can even help patients with a history of sensitive teeth.

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Tooth loss can make life difficult in many ways. Getting dentures can both restore your smile and get your daily routine back to normal. However, if you’re a smoker, that may be one habit you’ll need to break for the sake of your mouth going forward. Smoking can have a harmful effect on your prosthetics and your overall oral health. But what’s the big deal? Continue reading to see why quitting smoking is a good idea once you get dentures.

Summer is here, and if you’re like many others, you’re working on your figure so that you feel confident in your swimsuit, short sleeves, and other warm-weather wear. Don’t forget, though, that one of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile. If yours is stained yellow or brown, then it can leave you feeling so self-conscious that you avoid grinning for photos or spending time with other people.

Thankfully, brightening your teeth is usually relatively easy! If you’ve been on the fence about undergoing this procedure, continue reading to learn 3 reasons why summer is the perfect time to have your teeth whitened with your dentist.

Gaps between teeth, also known as diastemas, can make people self-conscious about their smiles. If you’re looking for a way to close these gaps without the need for braces or extensive procedures, dental bonding might be the answer! But what is dental bonding, and how can it help? Read on to learn more about this great cosmetic procedure and how it can bridge the gap in your smile.

Dentures have continued to be a popular method to refurbish smiles after tooth loss because they provide so many benefits. They can restore a great deal of your ability to eat and speak more smoothly while simultaneously enhancing your appearance to boost your confidence. It’s important to care for them properly if you want to continue to make the most of them. If you’re not sure what that looks like, keep reading to learn 5 tips for maintaining your dentures so you can enjoy the advantages of a beautifully refurbished smile.

Clear aligners like ClearCorrect are designed to gently shift your teeth without all the wires and bands of traditional braces. They’re discreet and can often treat less-complex cases in a smaller timeframe. But how do they perform if you only want to treat one half of your mouth?

If you want to learn whether it’s possible to treat only the top or a bottom arch of your teeth with ClearCorrect, continue reading.

As you’re probably already aware, oral health experts recommend having at least two dental checkups and cleanings performed each year. Since 2024 has just begun, you may feel like there’s no need to schedule these appointments right away – but actually, there are several advantages to having your first dental visit as soon as possible. Below are 4 reasons why you should make time to see the dentist early in the year.

Alcoholic beverages may predate civilization, and people have been debating the pros and cons of strong drinks for as long as history can remember. While drinking spirited libations can be a delightful compliment to a meal or a nice way to enjoy a social gathering, excessive and frequent alcohol consumption carries significant health risks and can have devastating long-term consequences. Here are a few common misconceptions about the effects alcohol has on your oral health as well as the truths behind them.