Charcoal Toothpaste– Is It Really Safe?
Charcoal Toothpaste – Is It Really Safe For Your Teeth?
Is charcoal toothpaste safe? Is the practice of charcoal teeth whitening safe? These are some vital questions for oral health that most people are concerned about. When you think about stuff that you would allow into your mouth, it would be hard to imagine activated charcoal as one of such.
If you are reading this, you probably heard about activated charcoal as a beneficial substance for your teeth.
Now, if you want to find out if activated charcoal in your toothpaste works. We’ve put together everything you need to know about whether charcoal toothpaste is safe for you or not.
What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?
It’s important to clarify what the charcoal in toothpaste is. This is not the same as the regular bricks that many people use in barbecues.
Also referred to as activated carbon or activated charcoal, this type of charcoal is sourced from plant-based materials that are burned. These materials include coconut shells, as well as oak wood and more.
The substance goes through a process that makes it more porous and improves its absorbing ability.
It is interesting to note that activated charcoal isn’t new to humans. The substance has been in use for centuries to achieve different environmental and medical objectives. It is used in medical procedures to absorb poison and eliminate it from the human digestive system.
This is the logic that inspires the belief that activated charcoal might have the ability to absorb body toxins and teeth stains.
Due to its chemical properties, it easily attracts particles which is a unique property that comes with charcoal toothpaste.
But is it safe to brush your teeth with charcoal?
Does it even work?
Charcoal toothpaste for whitening: Does it work?
is charcoal teeth whitening safe?
Research suggests that activated charcoal, when included in toothpaste, can assist in the removal of teeth stains.
This is because charcoal has absorbing properties and is mildly abrasive. But we are yet to see strong evidence that it has a profound effect on stains that occur underneath your enamel. More research is necessary to confirm its natural whitening effects.
Teeth whitening is possible if the substance can work both on tooth surface stains, as well as stains below the enamel.
So, even while activated charcoal seems to have a couple of verified benefits, more scientific evidence is necessary to confirm its teeth whitening effects.
As a dental hygienist, I personally recommend the BURST white strips to whiten teeth. It is safe, effective and causes no sensitivity. Check out this BURST Whitening Strip Review plus you can get a coupon to make them even more affordable!
Is charcoal toothpaste safe?
Is it safe to brush your teeth with charcoal? The long-term effects of using charcoal toothpaste to brush your teeth are yet to be identified. There is advice for dentists in a 2017 review which tells them to instruct patients to exercise care and caution in the use of toothpaste that contains charcoal. So far, here’s what is verified about charcoal toothpaste –
Due to its abrasive nature, charcoal toothpaste shouldn’t be used daily. The excessive application of abrasive substances on the teeth results in enamel breakdown. You might end up with yellowish teeth because of dentin exposure. You also stand the risk of suffering tooth sensitivity.
Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste that makes your enamel strong. But you don’t find this in many charcoal toothpaste products. This means you may not get protection against decay and cavities.
If particles from the charcoal start to accumulate in your tooth crevices and cracks, you may begin to experience teeth stains.
We are yet to determine how charcoal reacts with dental restorations. From white fillings to crowns and bridges, the buildup of charcoal between them may result in the development of grey/black outlines.
But there are some possible benefits of charcoal toothpaste that are worth considering.
Charcoal toothpaste could help in the removal of stains that buildup on the teeth’s surface. You might also get some help with activated charcoal toothpaste if you are currently battling bad breath.
If you’re looking to prevent staining after getting an expert cleaning from a dentist, you might want to consider using a charcoal toothpaste too.
Here’s what you need to know before trying out activated charcoal toothpaste
Should you make up your mind about using activated charcoal toothpaste, we advise that you exercise caution and use the product sparingly. Do not use the product every day and avoid brushing your teeth with activated charcoal for a long period of time.
Your teeth might feel like they are okay but never forget that activated charcoal is abrasive in nature. This is the reason that a lot of people prefer not to use the product at all. The excessive use of charcoal toothpaste can cause tooth sensitivity, resulting from the wearing out of your enamel.
Be careful about where you purchase your charcoal toothpaste and only get them from reputable brands. You need to be vigilant while using the product and watch out for symptoms like bleeding gums, as well as tooth sensitivity. If you get any of these symptoms, quit using the product and set up a meeting with your dentist at once.
Other alternatives to charcoal teeth whitening
Apart from using charcoal toothpaste to whiten your teeth, there are other options considered to be effective and safe. These can help you to achieve the same teeth whitening results.
The American dental association endorses some of these teeth whitening products and you can access them over the counter.
So, if you are constantly asking – “is charcoal teeth whitening safe?”, or “is it safe to brush your teeth with charcoal?”, some other professional products that your dentist may recommend for you include:
Charcoal infused toothbrush with non-abrasive charcoal like the BURST sonic toothbrush
Teeth whitening strips
Teeth whitening toothpaste
In-office teeth whitening
At-home teeth professional teeth whitening under the supervision of your dentist
Use a safe charcoal infused floss like BURST to clean pesky stains from in between the teeth and also to reap the benefits of flossing.
One of my favorite alternatives to charcoal toothpaste is the charcoal, teeth whitening toothbrush, the BURST sonic toothbrush. It has nanoparticles of binchotan charcoal that are deemed safe for the teeth while still keeping them bright and white. You can read more and also get a discount code in this Burst toothbrush review.
Finally…
As you begin your search for products to whiten your teeth, ensure that you go for only products that are approved by the FDA. They should also contain elements like hydrogen peroxide, as well as covarine or microbeads. The reason is that they are highly effective just like activated charcoal.
Remember, activated charcoal toothpaste has benefits but don’t use them excessively to avoid damage to your enamel.