Charcoal toothpaste has become one of the most popular trends in dental care, but is it a trend that you should follow? Here, our Surrey dentists share some of the ways that charcoal toothpaste could potentially cause more harm than good and what you can do instead to achieve a healthy and bright smile.
Is there real charcoal in the charcoal toothpaste?
Charcoal can be made from a variety of substances such as peat, coal, or wood. Activated charcoal is made by heating charcoal in the presence of a gas. This process causes the charcoal to develop small internal pores. These pores help activated charcoal trap chemicals, which is why it is often used in attempts to absorb toxins in the stomach.
In the past few years and with the help of social media, charcoal has become an incredibly large trend throughout the health and beauty industries. One area that has become very popular is teeth whitening and toothpaste.
The addition of charcoal in toothpaste is advertised as a helpful additive that can lift larger amounts of staining from your teeth creating the appearance of brighter and whiter teeth.
Are there any benefits to using charcoal toothpaste?
One of the first and foremost reasons why our dentists are not supportive of charcoal as a beneficial additive to toothpaste is because there have been no studies on it thus far proving it to have a positive impact on teeth.
Additionally, charcoal itself has a gritty texture that could potentially cause permanent damage to the enamel of your teeth. Not only can this lead to further staining, but it can also cause more serious problems like cavities and tooth decay at a faster than normal rate.
If you have sensitive teeth you should avoid charcoal toothpaste as it has been shown to increase the sensitivity in patients' teeth,
What are some safe options for whitening my teeth?
The number one way to maintain a white smile is to be consistent with your oral health routine. Regular flossing and brushing with a toothpaste and toothbrush approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) are essential. It's also important to schedule regular preventive hygiene appointments at our Surrey dental office.
Another way to maintain a white smile is to limit eating and drinking foods or beverages that can stain your teeth, such as red wine, coffee, dark-coloured beverages, and chocolate.
If you maintain your oral health but are still looking for a brighter smile, our dentists recommend professional teeth whitening treatments as a way to safely brighten your smile without damaging your teeth. Retail stores also sell bleaching products that are recognized as safe by the CDA.