Charcoal-based health and beauty products are popping up all over. While a variety of these products such as charcoal toothpaste are tempting, are they actually worth trying? Here, our Delta dentists discuss the known facts about charcoal toothpaste and if you should give it a try.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Really Contain Charcoal?
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. Some of the most popular charcoal-based health and beauty products to be seen are charcoal toothpaste and whitening products.
When you see an advertisement for charcoal toothpaste you may see a promise that it will whiten and brighten your teeth drastically. But is the addition of charcoal actually safe or beneficial?
Does charcoal toothpaste have any real benefits for my smile?
One of the main reasons why you may not see support for charcoal toothpaste from any of our dental professionals is because there is currently no proof that these products are beneficial to your oral health or that they do not cause adverse effects.
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,
Are there other teeth whitening options that are safer for 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 Delta 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.