Activated charcoal as a toothpaste isn’t a new concept, but it has seen it’s popularity rise again in recent years. This could be for the claims that it is an all natural way to whiten your teeth. Is this true, and is it safe to use?
What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste is made up of fine grain powder from natural sources such as coconut shells which are exposed to extreme heat then oxidizes. The toothpaste is highly absorbent and can help remove harmful toxins, but it isn’t proven to be effective at protecting your teeth.
There isn’t a lot of research to support the effectiveness of charcoal toothpaste and more is needed. It believes more research into the long-term use is required before any conclusions can be made.
Is It Safe to Use?
Charcoal toothpaste is safe to use infrequently, but it is highly abrasive to your teeth. If used too often, it could remove the enamel from your teeth, and it could also irritate your gums.
It is a natural toothpaste which means you are unlikely to get one that contains fluoride. If it does contain fluoride, it will be very little and not the amount needed for good protection. Fluoride in toothpaste is needed to help strengthen your enamel, without it, your teeth could become at risk of decay. There is some research to show that long-term use of charcoal toothpaste can lead to tooth decay.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work to Whiten Teeth?
Charcoal toothpaste is good for removing surface stains from your teeth. Its binding nature helps to do this, and it can make your teeth appear to be whiter. However, this only happens at surface level. It wont help to whiten beneath the enamel of your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste is a good short-term option for surface whitening.
Care will also be needed when using charcoal toothpaste. If it gets stuck in the cracks and crevices of your teeth, it can cause staining due to it being black in color which defeats the purpose of using it.
As well as surface stain removal, charcoal toothpaste may be good for keeping your breath fresh and preventing future staining when used occasionally. Regular teeth cleaning with your dentist will also help prevent staining.
If you are looking for a proven and long-lasting teeth whitening procedure then West Coast Dental can help with this. We use the latest technology to whiten and brighten your teeth. We have in-office and at home, custom-fitted options that are safe and effective. We also have same day appointments if you are looking to start quickly.
Charcoal Toothpaste Recommendations
Here are five popular charcoal toothpastes you might want to try:
- Hello oral Care Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
- Colgate Essential Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
- Crest 3D Whitening Therapy Charcoal Deep Clean
- Lush Boom Toothy Tabs
- Dental Expert Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Talk to Your Dentist First
Before trying a charcoal toothpaste, book a routine checkup with one of our dentists, or call us at 888-329-8111 for more information.
Sources
Oral Health Foundation – Health Charity Explores the Facts and Myths of Charcoal Toothpaste
Healthline – Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: The Pros and ConsThe Journal Of The American Dental Association (JADA) – “Charcoal and Charcoal-Based Dentifrices”
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