Is Charcoal Toothpaste Worth It? Here’s Dentist’s Advice
Charcoal has suddenly become a trendy ingredient in most beauty products, cleansing scrubs, face masks, and toothpaste. But is it as beneficial as the manufacturer makes it look, especially in toothpaste?
We answer this and many other questions you may have regarding charcoal toothpaste in this guide.
What Type of Charcoal Is Used In Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste uses activated charcoal as an ingredient instead of the traditional charcoal that people use for grilling. Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that’s oxidized under high temperatures. Oxidation makes it potent and adsorbent, characteristics that enable it to become beneficial in removing surface stains on teeth.
Don’t be tempted to use barbeque charcoal as it contains harmful substances that may have far-reaching consequences. Charcoal toothpaste has grown in popularity as people use it in hopes of whitening teeth and removing superficial stains on their teeth.
Are There Any Benefits of Using Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste may offer a few benefits, including:
· Can remove superficial stains on teeth
· It may help clear out bad breath
· It can help remove and prevent the formation of plaque
· Helps prevent cavities
However, all these benefits have not been scientifically proven and are just claims from people who have consistently used charcoal toothpaste. More studies should be done to ascertain whether or not charcoal toothpaste offers benefits that justify its hype. Therefore, from a dentist’s point of view, charcoal toothpaste is not yet proven to be as effective as it claims to be and thus is only subject to people’s opinion.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Using Charcoal Toothpaste?
Yes, there are several disadvantages associated with using charcoal toothpaste. However, these disadvantages are not directly associated with charcoal due to a lack of scientific studies. The disadvantages include:
· Failure to remove deep-lying stains
· Can cause sensitivity of teeth for people with slightly sensitive teeth
· It can wear down tooth enamel due to its abrasiveness
· No studies show the long-term side effects of using a charcoal toothbrush
· It has not been proven to be safe
· Most of them lack fluoride
Do Dentists Recommend Charcoal Toothpaste?
The question of whether a dentist recommends charcoal toothpaste depends on individual dentists. Some dentists recommend it due to the few benefits that it offers, while others remain neutral since no scientific studies are backing up the benefits and side effects.
Charcoal toothpaste is not one of the listed products for whitening teeth by the American Dental Association (ADA). This is the primary reason many dentists do not recommend it, as there are other recommended and proven ways of whitening teeth.
What Toothpastes Do Dentists Recommend to Use?
There’s no brand of toothpaste we can say is recommended by dentists, but dentists recommend toothpaste brands that have met the following guidelines:
· Should contain fluoride
· Should have an approval seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association. A seal of acceptance by ADA shows that the ingredients have been carefully examined and proven to be beneficial. ADA also ensures the toothpaste has the right amount of fluoride to prevent the formation of cavities.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!