Charcoal toothpaste has become one of the most popular trends in dental care, but is it a trend that you should follow? Here, our Vancouver 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 sources, including peat, coal, and wood. Activated charcoal is formed when charcoal is heated in the presence of gas. Small internal pores form within the charcoal as a result of this process. Because these pores help activate the charcoal's ability to trap chemicals, it is commonly used 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 primary reasons why our dentists are opposed to charcoal as a beneficial additive to toothpaste is that no studies have been conducted to demonstrate that it has a positive impact on teeth.
Furthermore, the coarse texture of charcoal can permanently damage the enamel of your teeth. This can result in more discoloration as well as the onset of more serious issues like cavities and tooth decay.
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 toothpaste and toothbrush approved by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) are essential. It's also important to schedule regular preventive hygiene appointments at our Vancouver 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.