One of the biggest trends in the world of dental health is one that you may not associate with teeth. Charcoal! From toothbrushes to toothpaste, charcoal has become one of the hottest new ingredients used in dental care products. There’s no doubt that you’ve seen or heard about charcoal toothpaste; it’s kind of hard to miss.
The kind of charcoal used in toothpaste is known as activated toothpaste which is supposed to remove surface stains and naturally whiten teeth. There are several different types of charcoal toothpaste products on the market. Walk into a drug store or head to Amazon and you’ll find no shortage of options to choose from.
Should I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste is extremely absorbent, and as such, it can both absorb and remove toxins. As you might expect, however, charcoal toothpaste is black in color, which can be a little off-putting. If you’re interested in using it, but you’re alarmed by the color, you might be wondering if charcoal toothpaste is actually safe to use.
What is Activated Charcoal?
The type of charcoal used in toothpaste is known as activated charcoal and is the type of carbon that has been specially treated to increase its absorbency. Activated charcoal is made of various natural substances, such as coconut shells, wood, and yes, even charcoal. The exposure to high heat creates small pores on the surface, which increase the pore size, thus increasing the charcoal’s ability to absorb toxins and chemicals.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?
Charcoal toothpaste is still fairly new to the dental health scene. As such, there has not been a lot of research done on its long-term safety when applied to the surface of the teeth and gums. That said, there is some research that illustrates safety precautions that should be considered before using charcoal toothpaste.
Most notably, you should avoid using charcoal toothpaste on a daily basis. This type of toothpaste is very abrasive and regular use can damage the enamel of your teeth, making them appear yellow and increasing their sensitivity.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Effective?
Just like there haven’t been many studies done to determine the safety of charcoal toothpaste, there also haven’t been enough studies done to determine its effectiveness. Studies show that charcoal toothpaste isn’t any more effective than standard toothpaste. As mentioned, regular use of charcoal toothpaste can damage the enamel of the teeth. In turn, this can expose the dentin, and give the teeth a yellow appearance.
What does Activated Charcoal do to the Teeth?
While it’s said that charcoal toothpaste will remove stains from the teeth, there is no evidence to suggest that it actually does safely whiten the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, there is evidence that does suggest that charcoal can also wear down the enamel.
Are there Side Effects?
While activated charcoal has long been a popular natural remedy for a variety of health-related issues, it’s important to be aware of some of the side effects that can be associated with using it on a regular basis.
Tooth enamel does not grow back. Therefore, if you use it for a long period of time, you could potentially permanently damage your teeth. Furthermore, extrinsic and intrinsic stains can be hard to remove, even when they are cleaned professionally. It isn’t clear whether or not charcoal toothpaste is more effective than standard toothpaste.
Should I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
We believe that everyone should gather as much information as possible but ultimately make their own decision as to whether or not this type of toothpaste is a good choice for your oral health. With the information presented above – along with additional research that you should do – you should be able to determine whether or not using charcoal toothpaste is a good decision for you.
Teeth Whitening – American Dental Association (ADA)
Regency Family Dentistry Omaha | Best Omaha Dentist near Westroads Mall in Regency
Whether your teeth needs are a:
- complete exam and cleaning,
- full-mouth restoration
- or anything in between
We promise to provide exceptional dental care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are just some of the many procedures and dental services we regularly provide to our patients – with a gentle touch, and stunning results. Your smile is our first priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.
Preventative Dentistry
- Dental Exams
- Dental Cleanings
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Fluoride Treatment
- Sealants
- Dental X-Rays
- Home Care
- Nightguards & Mouthguards
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Composite Fillings
- Porcelain Crowns
- FixedPorcelain Bridges
- Porcelain Veneers
- Tooth Whitening
Periodontal Disease
- What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Maintenance
Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Inlay Restorations
- Onlay Restorations
- Composite Fillings
- Crowns
- Dentures & Partial Dentures
- Fixed Bridges
- Root Canal Therapy
Oral Surgery
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions
