From pharmacy shelves to Instagram and youtube influencers, charcoal toothpaste seems to be everywhere lately, with many influencers and health ‘experts’ claiming that the black stuff has an array of health benefits from whitening your teeth to improving bad breath.
While charcoal toothpaste continues to grow in popularity, more and more research is coming to light proving that switching your normal toothpaste to a charcoal one might not be the best option for your oral health long term.
How does charcoal toothpaste work?
The black charcoal in toothpaste is not the same kind of charcoal you might find on your BBQ – it’s a form of charcoal known as activated charcoal, which is a highly porous material that has been used for centuries to absorb toxins and other chemicals – it’s even used in medical settings to this day for mild poisoning cases!
It is believed that the porous charcoal attracts toxins from your teeth and gums, as well as harmful bacteria which can cause bad breath. Many people have claimed that using charcoal on your teeth can also give great whitening results at home.
Is it safe to use charcoal toothpaste?
Many studies have shown that while some bacteria can be absorbed by the charcoal which will, in turn, help bad breath and that some surface stains can be lessened by brushing with charcoal, there is a lack of sufficient evidence to support the many claims of health benefits related to charcoal toothpaste.
In fact, there are many cons and negatives to using charcoal toothpaste that might make you think twice about making the switch. First of all, it’s highly abrasive and can physically wear down tooth enamel, making teeth appear more yellow and damaging the outer layer of the tooth. Charcoal toothpaste does not remove stains below the surface, which real teeth whitening products from your dentist can effectively accomplish. Additionally, using charcoal toothpaste on fillings, crowns or veneers can actually stain them causing discolouration and uneven colour across your smile. Using charcoal toothpaste can also increase or cause tooth sensitivity over time.
Lastly and most importantly, the vast majority of charcoal toothpaste products do not contain fluoride which can be extremely detrimental to your oral health, particularly for those prone to cavities and decay. As dentists, we always recommend a fluoride-based toothpaste in order to prevent decay and maintain the health of your teeth!
Effective and safe teeth whitening in Brisbane
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth, simply book an appointment with us at Bite Dental so we can help determine the best-suited option for your lifestyle, budget and desired outcome. We offer both the amazing Philips Zoom! In-chair whitening treatment which can leave you with teeth 8 shades whiter in under an hour and we also have a fantastic range of take-home teeth whitening options to suit your needs.
If you have any questions about this, just give us a call on 07 3221 5399 and our friendly team will be happy to help.