The Reality of Charcoal Toothpaste

If you have been following the popularity of charcoal toothpaste and the supposed wonders of its ability to create white and shiny teeth and are wondering if the rave is real, then you have found the right place to learn more about this unique toothpaste. We are going to discuss the pros and cons of charcoal toothpaste while also debunking any myths associated with it.

Due to the increased interest in charcoal-based toothpaste, people often find themselves dazed and confused when searching for the right one to choose from. Therefore it is crucial to look at the facts and determine whether or not this popular trend is healthy and whether the lasting effects it has are beneficial or detrimental to the health of your teeth.

What is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been treated so that the surface particles are porous. In toothpaste, activated charcoal is marketed as something that binds to things like stains, bacteria, and tartar. As a result, it is said to be extremely effective for freshening the breath and whitening the teeth.

The Pros of Using Activated Charcoal

The Pros of Using Activated Charcoal

First, we are going to take a close look at the benefits of activated charcoal toothpaste. The oral health benefits of using activated charcoal are evident when used, besides other regular oral hygiene habits such as flossing and brushing regularly. Some of the main pros of charcoal toothpaste include the following:

  • Due to their abrasive nature, they can clean certain stains on the tooth surface. The activated charcoal is able to remove certain stains from the enamel.
  • Charcoal toothpaste is normally inexpensive in comparison to getting a tooth whitening treatment.
  • It alleviates chronic halitosis or more commonly known as bad breath; due to its abrasive properties, the roughness on the tooth’s exterior can be smoothened while polishing the teeth.

Cons of Charcoal Toothpaste

Cons of Charcoal Toothpaste

While there are multiple benefits of using activated charcoal toothpaste, you need to be conscious of the many disadvantages that the product boasts. Some of the main cons of charcoal toothpaste include the following:

  1. It is too abrasive for daily use –  Some may view the abrasive qualities of charcoal as beneficial for the ability to remove stains on the surface of the teeth, but it shouldn’t be used daily. Using this particular type of toothpaste can wear down the enamel of the teeth. This exposes the dentin that is underneath the surface, making the teeth more sensitive.
  2. It can inadvertently cause stains – While many think that charcoal whitens the teeth, it may have the potential to cause new stains on certain teeth. This is because the particles in charcoal can build up in the cracks and crevices in worn-out teeth, which can end up making them look more grayish or with a darker hue. Regular usage of this type of toothpaste can cause new stains while removing others.
  3. Charcoal toothpaste has the potential to increase your cavity risk-  Those who are looking to change to charcoal toothpaste need to be extremely careful of the products that they buy. Most don’t have fluoride, an essential chemical compound to prevent cavities. Therefore, patients have to find fluoride in many different ways. Make sure to read the labels and talk with your dentist to find out which toothpaste is the right one for you and the health of your teeth.
  4. It may impact the build of dental restorations – Another profound possible problem that’s affected by the frequent use of charcoal toothpaste is that it can cause stains on dental restorations. This may result in unattractive gray or black outlines, negatively influencing the appearance of the teeth and smile.

Tips for Using Charcoal Toothpaste Safely

If you still want to give charcoal toothpaste a try, make sure that you are using it safely. While you may be using charcoal toothpaste, don’t completely avoid using fluoride-rich toothpaste. Dentists recommend that patients use charcoal toothpaste alone as part of their daily dental hygiene regimen. If you decide to use charcoal toothpaste, ensure that you brush very gently to mitigate its abrasive effects and make sure to rinse the mouth comprehensively after using it.

Want Whiter Teeth? Trust the Professionals

Your toothpaste does wonders for the health of your teeth, but the reality of charcoal toothpaste is that it doesn’t really whiten your teeth. Trust the dental specialists for professional tooth whitening if your teeth are stained, and you want a solution that lasts and does not negatively impact your oral health.

The dental experts at Sheehan dental provide both teeth whitening services and trustworthy advice on the right products to use in your dental cleaning routine. Do you want to have a brighter and cleaner smile? Then get in touch with the dental professionals at Sheehan Dental today!